A study at the University of Saskatchewan shows that prairie fruits, including buffaloberry, chokecherry and sea buckthorn, are nutrient-rich and have high potential food value.
The berries used for the study were gathered during the final two weeks of August over a three-year period, from 1999 to 2001.
The breakdown of the physiochemical composition of the berries revealed that the berries have health and nutritional benefits.
The buffaloberry has an ascorbic acid level that is four times greater than oranges. The chokecherry has high levels of anthocyanin pigments that contribute antioxidants. Anthocyanin pigments have anti-inflammatory properties, cardiovascular benefits and potential anti-carcinogenic properties. All three berries have high levels of total dietary fibre.
The berries have the potential use to produce nutrient-rich ingredients for at-risk populations in Saskatchewan and around the world.
