Choose the right moment
When should you pick haskap berries?
Variety, weather and the inside of the berry all matter. Use these practical signs before filling your basket.
A season that changes by variety
Haskap is one of the first summer berries in Quebec. Cultivars do not all ripen together, and weather shifts the calendar from one year to the next. A harvest date reported elsewhere does not guarantee that berries are ready at our orchard.
Explore the varieties in our orchard
Check the U-pick statusBlue skin is not enough
The skin can become blue several days before the inside is ripe. Green flesh and a grassy flavour mean that the berry needs more time. Tartness alone is not a complete test because some cultivars remain naturally tangy when ripe.
In a garden, compare several berries from a known cultivar over time. At our orchard, ask which rows are ready and follow the team’s guidance for tasting and picking.
Pick and handle berries gently
A ripe berry should be handled carefully because the fruit can bruise. Avoid squeezing berries in your hand or packing them deeply in a container. Follow the orchard’s directions before handling branches.
After picking, protect the berries from heat and refrigerate them promptly. Read our fresh and frozen storage guide.
Frequently asked questions about ripeness
Do all haskap varieties ripen at the same time?
No. Cultivars have different harvest periods, and weather changes the timing each year.
Is every blue haskap berry ready to pick?
No. The skin may turn blue before the flesh, texture and flavour reach full ripeness.
Should every ripe berry taste very sweet?
No. Some cultivars remain naturally tart. Compare several berries and consider the cultivar rather than judging colour or sweetness alone.
What should I do after picking?
Keep berries out of the heat, use a shallow container when possible and refrigerate them promptly.
Plan your visit in Lanaudière
Our orchard is in Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon. Check the season information before setting out, especially when travelling from Joliette, Montreal or farther away.
Plan a U-pick visit