Saskatoonberry is said to “open and close the season” in our northern climate. It blooms in small white stars in May, produces pretty and delicious purple fruits in June and turns a spectacular coppery color in the fall. Both ornamental and nutritious, it is a fruit tree to have in your yard.
You have to act quickly so as not to miss the short Saskatoon berry picking window, which normally falls around the third or fourth week of June. It may be tempting to harvest the small fruit when it is red, but it is better to wait until it turns deep purple. This is where it is the sweetest and tastiest. Very little commercialized, it will cost you around $15 for 500 grams of frozen berries, if you can find them. You might as well go harvest yourself.
Pastry chef Éric Champagne, who will soon join the Auberge Saint-Mathieu team, likes to prepare Saskatoon berries. “I love this little berry with its almond and blueberry flavor. I often use it in jam or even as an accompaniment to foie gras. It’s awesome ! » You can also eat the small berry fresh, add it to yogurt or a salad. “I already made a saskatoon ganache with champagne vinegar for dessert and it was great. In reducing the juice, to intensify the almond taste, it is also interesting. »
