The best varieties of edible honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is treated differently. For some it is a “wolfberry”, for others it is the secret of eternal youth and longevity. Honeysuckle pulp contains vitamins A, C and E, as well as a unique complex of minerals and trace elements. If 50 years ago honeysuckle was grown mainly in the northern regions and the middle zone, today the berry is also popular in the south. Many varieties produce rich harvests and serve as hedges.
The best varieties of edible honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is used in folk medicine, cosmetology, and cooking. The berries are famous for their taste and beneficial properties.
Let's look at the description of the best varieties of edible honeysuckle and find out the advantages and features of each.
The sweetest
Most varieties of honeysuckle have a tart and bitter taste - it is for this reason that the berry is not as popular as the beloved cherry or raspberry. Therefore, when choosing a variety, they pay special attention to taste and choose the sweetest ones.
Titmouse
Tall bush, reaches a height of 2 m. The crown is rounded, the shoots are curved, the leaves are matte green. The shape of the berry is oblong, weight is about 1 g. The taste is delicate, the pulp is pleasant to the taste, without bitterness. The skin is thin, blue-violet in color with a white coating.
Titmouse matures gradually; due to its thin peel, it is not suitable for industrial cultivation and trade. The yield is stable - gardeners harvest about 7 kg of berries per bush per year.
Chosen One
The bushes are tall with a dense crown. The leaves are medium in size, the shoots are powerful.The weight of the berry is 1-1.2 g, the shape is round-oval with a pointed end. The color is blue with a purple tint. The pulp is juicy and sweet, the aroma is rich.
During the season, gardeners collect about 4 kg per plant. The berries are used fresh or for preparing winter preparations - honeysuckle makes delicious marmalade, jam, and confiture.
Shahinya
The mid-late variety is distinguished by tall bushes with spreading shoots. The leaves are thick and matte, the flowers are yellow. The weight of the berry is about 1.2 g, length is from 1 to 4 cm. The shape is cylindrical, the peel is of medium density with pubescence. The pulp is aromatic and juicy, without bitterness.
The yield of the Shahinya variety is about 2 kg per plant. Honeysuckle is unpretentious to soils, but it is possible to collect more ripe berries on moisture-intensive loamy lands.
This is interesting:
Planting and caring for honeysuckle in the Leningrad region
Productive
The yield of honeysuckle depends on the growing region, soil conditions, weather conditions, and proper care. On average, one bush produces 2-4 kg per summer. But there are also more productive varieties, from which 5 kg or more are consistently harvested.
Fire opal
This unpretentious variety is suitable for growing in the Urals and Siberia - the plant quickly adapts to sudden changes in weather and is resistant to cold. The height of the bush is 1.5 m, the crown is compact. The pulp is sweet, the taste is delicate with a tart aftertaste. The fruits are violet-blue, elongated. After ripening, the berries do not fall off. The yield of the variety is about 6 kg per plant. Honeysuckle is eaten fresh or processed.
New
The bushes are compact with a spherical crown, suitable for planting in a small garden plot. The ripening period begins at the end of June.The pulp is pleasant, sweet with sour notes. The weight of the berry is about 1 g, the shape is cylindrical-oblong. The color is dark blue, the peel is thin. Productivity 6 kg per bush. The New variety is resistant to spider mites and aphids and is easy to care for.
Siberian
The high-yielding variety is popular in central Russia and the northern regions. Productivity is 4-5 kg per bush over the summer. The fruits are smooth, oval, weight from 0.8 g to 1.2 g, average length 2 cm. The tree bears fruit in the second or third year after planting. The taste is sweet and sour with a pronounced berry aroma. The pulp is tender, the peel is of medium thickness.
Attention! The bitter taste of honeysuckle most often appears due to improper care - lack of watering, poor drainage, lack of mineral and organic fertilizers. Another reason for bitter pulp lies in the wrong choice of planting site. Honeysuckle does not survive in acidic soils.
Large-fruited
Large honeysuckle berries are good in any form - they are eaten with milk or sour cream, added to tea along with sugar, and used to prepare fruit and berry desserts.
In order for the fruits to grow large, it is important to follow the rules of planting and care.
Pride of Bakchar
One of the most popular varieties of honeysuckle in Russia. The height of the bush is about 1.6 m, the shoots are powerful, the foliage is dense. The length of the berry is up to 4 cm, weight is about 3 g. Externally, the berries resemble miniature bananas, the color is violet-blue.
The taste is sweet, not bitter. Productivity 3-4 kg per bush. Gardeners recommend paying attention to fertilizing - honeysuckle reacts to a lack of minerals and vitamins.
Commonwealth
The height of the plant is up to 2 m, so it is recommended to prepare a spacious area for planting in advance. The shape of the berry is round-oval, weight is about 1.5 g. The taste is sweet with a slight bitterness, the flesh is dense.When ripe, the berries do not crack and are shelf-stable and transportable. The crop is used for drying, freezing, and preparing winter preparations.
Nymph
The plant is tall, up to 1.8 m in height. The length of the fruit is up to 3 cm, weight is about 2 g. The taste is juicy and sweet, the flesh is tender. The color of the berries is blue with a waxy coating. The advantages of the Nymph variety also include resistance to fungal diseases and stable yield - about 2 kg per plant.
Which honeysuckle to choose
The planting region is a determining factor in yield. The number of ripe berries, their shelf life, weight and appearance depend on climatic conditions. Some varieties perfectly tolerate weather changes and are suitable for growing in northern regions. Others bear fruit only in warm climates.
For Altai Territory and Siberia
The regions of Altai and Siberia are places with short and cool summers, frequent frosts, north winds and fogs. For planting, choose frost-resistant varieties with immunity to viral and fungal diseases.
Kingfisher
The height of the bush is up to 2 m, the crown is compact, the shoots grow straight. The plant has an attractive appearance, so gardeners often use the Kingfisher variety as a hedge. The berries are pear-shaped, weigh about 1 g. The taste is pleasant, the sweetness is moderate. Productivity is from 2 to 4 kg per bush.
Thanks to the thick peel, the berries tolerate transportation well. The kingfisher is resistant to powdery mildew and rot, and is rarely affected by aphids and other insects.
My joy
The mid-late variety is grown in places where the sun rarely appears and does not last long. The bushes are neat and will decorate any garden plot. The weight of the berry is from 0.7 g to 1 g. The shape is oval and oblong, the color is blue with a waxy coating.
From 2 to 3 kg of crop is collected from the bush, used fresh and for sale. Joy is used to make sweets and desserts - marshmallows, marmalade, jelly.
Cinderella
The height of the bush is up to 0.7 m, the shoots are spreading. The shape of the fruit is elongated, pointed towards the tip. The average weight of the berry is 1 g, the peel has a waxy coating, the color is deep blue. The taste is refreshing, sweet and sour, the flesh is juicy and aromatic.
The fruiting period occurs in the middle or end of June. If it’s a cool summer with rain, then Cinderella matures gradually. Productivity 3 kg per bush.
For the middle zone and Moscow region
Honeysuckle for growing in the middle zone and Moscow region should be drought-resistant. It is recommended to choose berries that do not crack in the absence of moisture for a long time and retain their useful, commercial and taste qualities.
Blue bird
A universal-purpose variety is grown on nutritious and loose soil. The height of the bush is about 1.5 m, the shoots are thin, the crown is dense and spreading. The length of the berry is up to 2 m, weight is about 1 g. The peel is thin, covered with a waxy coating. The color is blue-violet, matte. Bluebird honeysuckle tastes like wild blueberries - the flesh is sweet and sour, the taste is tart. Productivity is from 2 to 4 kg, depending on weather conditions and compliance with agrotechnical rules.
Amphora
The height of the mid-late honeysuckle bush is about 1.5 m. The round and compact crown looks attractive in the garden plot. The length of the fruit is 2 cm, weight 2-3 g. The surface is smooth, the color of the peel is blue-violet, there is a strong waxy coating. The taste is sweet and sour, notes of forest berries are felt. The harvest is transportable, suitable for making juices and compotes.
Silginka
The variety manifests itself as high-yielding, frost-resistant and unpretentious.Suitable for growing in the middle zone, especially in regions with frost and unstable climate. The berries are large, the weight of one is from 1 to 1.5 g. The taste is fresh and sweet, without bitterness. The color of the fruit is violet-blue with a waxy coating. The skin is thin, the aroma is berry, pleasant.
The berries ripen together, hold tightly to the branches and do not fall off. The yield of one bush varies from 1.5 kg to 3 kg.
Pauline
A fast-growing and easy-to-grow variety that is gaining popularity. The berries are large, without bitterness. The variety rarely gets sick and is frost-resistant. The harvest is valued for its taste and attractive commercial qualities.
For the Leningrad region and the North-West
Shrubs of Leningrad selection are distinguished by their compact size and squat shape; gardeners often use honeysuckle to create a hedge. For planting, select varieties that are resistant to high humidity, sudden temperature changes and infectious diseases.
Omega
The height of the bush is up to 1.5 m, the crown is compact, the shoots are of medium size. The berries are oval, deep blue, with a slight waxy coating. The skin is thick, so the fruits do not spoil for a long time, are suitable for transportation and have a shelf life. The average berry weight is 1 g. The Omega variety is frost-resistant, rarely gets sick, and is grown in personal garden plots and on an industrial scale.
Blue spindle
Early ripening variety bred in Siberia, but is also suitable for cultivation in the North-West of the country. Resistant to high humidity, does not require special care. The length of the berry is up to 3 cm, weight is about 1 g. The surface is slightly tuberous, the color is blue-violet. The skin is dense, the flesh is sweet and sour, with a pleasant unobtrusive aroma.It is recommended to use the berries for processing; they make tart and tasty jam or jam.
Violet
The mid-early variety Violet is famous for its beautiful compact bushes and large berries. The weight of one is about 1.5 g, some fruits reach 2 g. The surface is lumpy, the skin is dense, blue with a waxy coating. The pulp is sweet and sour, not bitter. The berries are universal in use, do not fall off, and retain their elasticity and taste even after harvesting. One bush produces about 2.5 kg of fruit over the summer.
Interesting! Without honeysuckle it is impossible to prepare the national dish of Hungary - retesh. This is a pie whose filling consists of honeysuckle, apricots, honey, butter and starch. An original dish for those who want to please their loved ones with a tasty and healthy dessert.
For the Urals
The weather in the Urals is unpredictable. In summer there can be heat, fog, heavy rain and even frost and snow. It is important to choose a frost-resistant and drought-resistant variety with stable yields.
Enchantress
Mid-season variety takes root on loamy and sandy soils. The height of the bush is up to 1.5 m, the crown is spherical. The average weight of the berry is 1.6 g, pear-shaped, blue in color, with a bluish bloom. The pulp is fleshy, the taste is delicate and sweet, with a slight sourness. Productivity is from 2 to 3 kg per plant. The Sorceress bears fruit consistently, the berries are elastic. The sorceress is resistant to rodents and insects.
Highlight
Medium-sized bushes with curved shoots. The berries are large and oblong, the weight of one reaches 1.5 g. The ripening period is early, the yield is 1-2 kg per bush. The skin is dense and lumpy, the flesh is fibrous and sweet. The Izyuminka variety is a frost-resistant variety, but systematic mineral fertilizing is required to grow large berries.Thanks to its dessert taste, Izyuminka is eaten straight from the bush. For longer storage, honeysuckle is ground with sugar.
Bazhovskaya
The bush is spreading and wide-growing, requiring a lot of space. The berries are dark blue, round in shape, externally the fruits look like small barrels. The average weight of the berry is about 1 g. The pulp is very pleasant and sweet, without bitterness. Productivity up to 2 kg per bush. The berries are prone to shedding, so they are harvested 2-3 times per season. The purpose of the variety is universal.
Conclusion
To use honeysuckle in cooking, it is recommended to plant sweet and juicy varieties without bitterness - Chosen One, Pride of Bakchar, Nymph. The berries of these crops are aromatic, with tender pulp. For long-term storage, gardeners grow varieties with thick skin and a waxy coating - Omega, Violet, Volshebnitsa.
Honeysuckle is planted in light and spacious areas, away from other fruit and berry plants. They are collected as they ripen; gloves are used during harvesting so as not to erase the waxy coating. It is thanks to him that the fruits are stored for a long time and do not lose their beneficial properties.