This week on my daily walk home from preschool, my daughter proclaimed that she had tasted a Goumi berry, and if I'd like she could show me how to tell a "perfect yummy berry" from a "not ready berry". To my delight, she led me to a bush and proceeded to point out the various characteristics that cue us to a berries optimal ripeness- colour, size, sheen, etc. I was delighted at the pleasure and pride she took in educating me, and excited to try one myself. They are delicious!
When picking Goumi berries, look for translucent red fruit. Patience is key here as the berry plumps up just before harvest for a juicy, slightly tart berry likened to a pie cherry or black current.
Also ripe in the garden is the Haskap berry (also known as 'Blue Honeysuckle', or 'Honeyberry'). I have yet to try this berry, but according to Haskap Canada, this fruit boasts a "sweet tangy zing flavour that most people say is a cross between blueberry, raspberry and black current". This fruit is high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, fibre and potassium. When picking this berry, look for a dark blue hue.
It's so wonderful to have these plant producing. Next time you're enjoying Porter Park, look for ripe Goumi and Haskap berries and have a taste!
