Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Altaj - May Berry

Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica 'Altaj' is a variety of honeysuckle with edible fruits, originally from Slovakia, selected for its robust fruits that are not easily damaged and can persist on the bush until the end of summer. Its drupe, elongated and pointed at the end, is juicy, sweet and tart with a fruity taste, reminiscent of blueberries. Very rich in vitamins B and C, and antioxidants, it is five times richer than blueberries. It can be consumed fresh or dried, and can be transformed into juice, jellies or jams. Very hardy, this honeysuckle can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F) and can be grown both in the garden and in pots. Partially self-fertile, it is recommended to plant at least two plants close to each other to improve fruiting. In March, the cream-white flowering, slightly fragrant, but very melliferous, attracts bees, thus promoting pollination. The fruits are harvested when ripe in May-June. Altaj forms a bushy shrub, about 1.50 metres (5 feet) tall, with long branches. It is ideal for creating a small edible and decorative hedge, and can even be combined with other varieties of small fruits.

Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica, more commonly known as Honeyberry, is a shrub species in the Caprifoliaceae family, like all honeysuckles. It is native to Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Siberian Asia, from Kamchatka to Magadan to Sakhalin Island. The edible honeysuckle has been known and consumed for a long time by indigenous populations. It thrives in cold regions, as it can withstand -40°C (-40°F), but only -7°C (19.4°F) for its flowers. It is an interesting shrub for high-altitude gardens.

The 'Altaj' variety is a cultivar originating from Slovakia, dating back to 1996, resulting from the hybridisation of Lonicera kamtschatica x Lonicera turczaninowii. It forms a bushy, sparsely branched shrub, 1.50 metres (5 feet) tall with a spread of 1 metre (3 feet). The foliage is deciduous, composed of opposite, ovate, dark green leaves, slightly greyish-blue, 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3in) long. Flowering occurs from March, in the form of tubular flowers, blooming in pairs, yellowish-green, quite inconspicuous, intensely visited by bees. In May-June, fruiting mainly occurs on one- and two-year-old branches. The shrub is then covered with elongated berries, pointed at the end, bluish with a whitish bloom, 0.7 to 1.4 cm (0.4 to 1in) long, 0.4 to 0.7 cm (0.2in) in diameter, weighing about 1 gram, with a honey-like smell. They contain very small seeds that are not noticeable when eaten. The drupe is filled with a yellowish-green, juicy, sweet and tart pulp, similar to that of blueberries in both taste and appearance. The berries are harvested as they ripen, when their flesh turns bright red. A Honeysuckle bush produces approximately 4 to 5 kg of fruit per plant depending on the age and growing conditions of the plant. To improve fruiting, it is advisable to plant at least two plants. Melliferous, the flowers attract bees for good pollination. The fruits are rich in vitamins B and C, fiber, minerals, and well supplied with antioxidants.

In the kitchen: Once harvested, hoenyberries can be stored for only 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable drawer. The fruits of the Altaj Honeysuckle can be enjoyed fresh, and for added indulgence, they can be sprinkled with a little granulated sugar. Excellent in jellies or jams, they can also be used to make fruit salads, muffins or smoothies, and pies... and also very fruity, slightly acidic juices. When dried, the berries retain all their nutritional value. To prolong the enjoyment, the fruits can easily be frozen.

The Honeyberry is ideal for transforming your garden into an edible or rustic hedge. It thrives in sunny positions, but sheltered from the burning sun, in fertile soil low in limestone. For delicious harvests and tastings, it can be combined with raspberries, currants or thornless blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, or even Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) or other varieties of small fruits. It can even be planted in a container on a patio to fully enjoy this beautiful shrub. For a colourful decoration, ornamental shrubs like lilacs, mock oranges, abelias or Kolkwitzia will do the trick, taking care, however, that their root system does not encroach on the living space of our blue honeysuckle. From spring onwards, fully savour the fragrance of the Honeyberry!