Quebec’s berries are colorful, delicious, and rich in antioxidants. Here are three that we especially love at Zenit.
In brief
- Cranberries: rich in antioxidants and fiber; cranberry products reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in some people.
- Blueberries: very rich in antioxidants (anthocyanins), vitamins C and K, and manganese.
- Haskap berries: a little Quebec fruit rich in antioxidants, picked at the family farm.
- Colorful fruits and vegetables are associated with better heart health.
Cranberries
They’re loved for their tart flavor. Did you know that a well-maintained cranberry plant can live for up to 100 years? A proud representative of Centre-du-Québec, cranberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. According to a 2023 Cochrane review, cranberry products reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in women, children, and certain at-risk individuals.
Blueberries
Because blueberry country is right here! This little fruit needs no introduction: it’s known for its delicate, fragrant flavor. We also love it for its very high levels of antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and manganese.
Haskap berries
Our favorite of all our ingredients, because this fruit is harvested on the family farm on the North Shore. Haskap berries have a unique, complex flavor often associated with blackcurrants, blueberries, and raspberries. Some people detect a hint of blackberry, plum, and rhubarb. Their flavors vary from one cultivar to another. Like blueberries, these little berries are very rich in antioxidants (anthocyanins) and also contain vitamin C.
Find our berries in Zenit energy balls. Note: our cranberry and haskap energy balls are nut-free, but they are made in a facility that handles nuts; they are not suitable for people with allergies. To learn more, read 4 superfood ingredients that are good for your heart.
Frequently asked questions
Do cranberries prevent urinary tract infections?
According to a 2023 Cochrane review, cranberry products reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in women, children, and some at-risk people. They are not a substitute for medical treatment.
What is a haskap berry?
It’s a small blue fruit grown in Quebec, with a flavor between blueberry, blackcurrant, and raspberry, and rich in antioxidants.
Danielle Dubois, Dt.P., nutritionist
Member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec
Founder of Zenit Nutrition
References
- Williams G, Hahn D, Stephens JH, et al. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;4(4):CD001321. PMC10108827
- Aune D, Giovannucci E, Boffetta P, et al. Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. Int J Epidemiol. 2017;46(3):1029-1056.
- Camerise Québec. camerisequebec.com
- The Visual Encyclopedia of Foods, new edition. Québec Amérique, 2017.