Optimizing Haskap Berry (Lonicera Caerulea L) Drying Techniques as a Value Added Food Product

Haskaps, also known as honeyberry, are being grown locally. The perishable and delicate nature of this berry requires that much of the fruit be processed or preserved. Phoenix Haskaps have asked for assistance in developing value added products for the marketplace.

Drying these berries in the same manner as other fruits reduces the berry’s health – promoting benefits and negatively affects dried appearance. This proposal looks at factors involved in drying whole berries, including drying temperatures, air flow and drying times. The proposed research hopes to identify optimum drying conditions that will produce a high quality, cost effective, shelf-stable product.