The Honeyberry, also known as 'May berry' or 'blue honeysuckle', is a bush highly prized for its small, edible ovate fruits. Easy to grow, they naturally find their place in a hedge of fruit bushes. These delicious fleshy blue berries have bright red flesh that can be enjoyed fresh, in tarts, compotes, jams or jellies. Their slightly tangy and sweet flavour resembles that of blueberries, with a hint of kiwi aroma. Discover with us when and how to harvest and store May berries.

May berries from Lonicera kamtschatica

What are the edible honeysuckle varieties?

The edible honeysuckle, in Latin Lonicera caerulea kamtschatica (or simply Lonicera kamtschatica), is the famous fruit bush producing the small May berries in our latitudes. It is also known as 'blue honeyberry' or 'honeyberries'. It belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, like honeysuckles. Be careful not to consume the fruits of ornamental honeysuckles as they are toxic.

There are several varieties of Lonicera kamtschatica that are very interesting for their compact habit and cultivated for their sweet berries, such as the varieties ‘Duet’, 'Eisbär’, 'Sweet Myberry' or 'Kalimka’.

When to harvest May berries?

As its name suggests, May berries are picked in spring, between May and June depending on the region. They are among the first small fruits of spring. The berries should be picked when ripe. The outer skin should be blue and the flesh dark red. If the flesh is still green, you'll need to wait a little longer before harvesting them.

Note:

  • Depending on the variety, a Honeyberry bush produces approximately 1 to 3 kg of fruit per bush.
  • It usually takes 3 to 5 years after planting to get a good harvest.
  • For abundant production, it is recommended to plant at least 2 Lonicera kamtschatica plants.

How to harvest May berries?

Harvesting these small fruits is very easy and can be done simply by hand. Edible honeysuckles are small bushes, measuring between 1 m and 1.80 m in height, which makes harvesting easier.

Lonicera kamtschatica

May berries are harvested simply by hand

How to store May berries?

Once picked, May berries can only be kept for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable drawer. They can be enjoyed fresh, in desserts, in tarts with other red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants and cherries. These small fruits are also perfect for making jams, jellies, sorbets, syrups, coulis or juice. A treat for the taste buds of young and old gardeners alike.

They can easily be frozen or dried to enjoy over the months or in infusions.

Note that, even when ripe, the fruits can remain on the bush for a few weeks. They can therefore be picked as needed. Nothing stops you from nibbling on them out of greed while passing through the garden.

Honeyberry and edible honeysuckle

May berries can also be eaten during garden visits

How to dry May berries

As with goji berries, there are 2 techniques for drying small fruits, the first is oven drying and the second is dehydrator drying. Note that the second gives better results without the need to frequently monitor the cooking.

1st technique: oven drying

  • Clean your May berries with water
  • Dry them gently with a cloth or paper towel
  • Spread your May berries on baking paper placed on your oven tray
  • Bake at 60°C (thermostat 2) for 8 to 12 hours. It is advisable to leave the oven door slightly ajar to facilitate the evaporation of moisture.
  • Turn them every 3 to 4 hours
  • The colour of your dried berries will become deeper, almost brown. If your berries still seem moist, put them back in for another 30 minutes. Repeat until they are completely dry.
  • Remove the tray from the oven and let cool to room temperature.

2nd technique: dehydrator drying

  • Wash the May berries with water
  • Dry them gently with a paper towel or clean cloth.
  • Place the berries on the dehydrator tray. They should not overlap.
  • Dehydrate for 18 to 24 hours at a temperature of 45°C, turning them every 6 hours.
  • Once turned off, open your appliance and let it cool.
  • Check that your berries are completely dehydrated. If not, put them back in for another hour.

Storing dried berries

  • Store your dried fruits in a glass jar where they can be kept for 1 to 2 months.
  • Shake your jar regularly during the first week to distribute any residual moisture.
  • If condensation forms, there is too much moisture! You will then need to put them back in the oven or dehydrator.

Dried fruits can be stored in glass jars for 1 to 2 months

What are the properties of May berries?

Honeyberries, like many red fruits, are said to be rich in vitamins C and B, as well as antioxidants. They are also said to be a source of fibre.

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