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An Interview with Hieronim Łukaszewski – A Pioneer of Haskap Cultivation in Poland

Haskap berries (also known as honeyberries) are becoming increasingly popular among gardeners and growers. Their fruits are not only tasty but also very healthy, and the plant itself is surprisingly easy to grow. So, is it worth investing in haskap growing? Absolutely. Here’s what Poland’s haskap pioneer, Mr. Hieronim Łukaszewski, has to say.

Hieronim Łukaszewski, together with his wife Zofia, was the first to introduce haskap to Poland. In the 1990s, when the fruit was completely unknown here, they established the first plantations. What was once an experimental crop is now a serious player in the berry market – thanks in part to technological advancements.

From Siberia to Poland – The Beginnings of Haskap

The history of haskap in Poland began over 30 years ago. Back in the 1990s, when almost no one had heard of this plant, the Łukaszewskis decided to bring it to Poland. Mr. Hieronim recalls:

“When I saw a combine harvesting haskap berries, I was amazed. My wife’s decision back in the 90s to go with haskap was a bull’s-eye.”

Choosing to grow haskap turned out to be a breakthrough – both for them and for berry cultivation in Poland.

Mechanical Harvesting Changes Everything

When asked if he had imagined that haskap would one day be harvested by machine, Mr. Łukaszewski replies honestly:

“No. When we started, everything was done by hand. Seeing a combine today is like watching the future in action.”

He emphasizes that mechanical harvesting isn’t just a time-saver – it’s essential for profitability. Without it, running large plantations wouldn’t be possible:

“There just aren’t enough workers. You can’t harvest big areas by hand. The speed of mechanical harvesting makes haskap profitable.”

A Berry That Keeps Its Flavor

Mr. Łukaszewski also points out a unique feature of haskap: it keeps its quality after freezing:

“After thawing, the berry keeps its shape, taste, aroma, and properties. That’s a huge advantage over other fruits.”

This makes haskap valuable not just for the fresh fruit market, but also for frozen goods and food processing – without losing health benefits or taste.

Which Haskap Varieties Are Best for Mechanical Harvest?

Finally, Mr. Łukaszewski shares some practical advice – the varieties best suited for machine harvesting:

“The tall-growing ones – Wojtek, Jolanta, and 446. As for the others, I’m not up to date anymore, but these work great for mechanical production.”

A Berry with a Bright Future

Although Mr. Łukaszewski is no longer active in seedling production due to age, he’s confident:

“I believe haskap has a future.”

It’s a hardy plant, frost-resistant and low-maintenance, and it’s gaining more and more attention from both consumers and growers. With mechanical harvesting, new varieties, and increasing health awareness, haskap could become one of Poland’s key berry crops in the near future.

Why Grow Haskap?

1. Amazing Health Benefits
Haskap berries are real vitamin bombs. They contain:

• A high amount of antioxidants that support the immune system

• Vitamin C (even more than lemons!)

• Vitamin A and B vitamins

• And essential minerals

They may help reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and even help prevent cancer.

2. Early Harvest

Haskap is one of the first fruiting plants of the year – ripening as early as May, much earlier than most berries. This means fresh, healthy fruit in spring.

3. Low Soil Needs and Hardiness

Haskap is very resistant to frost and disease. It grows well in most garden soils and doesn’t need special care. It’s perfect for organic farming – no chemicals required.

4. Long Lifespan

With proper care, a bush can produce fruit for up to 30 years. It’s a long-term investment that quickly pays off.

Summary

The conversation with Mr. Hieronim Łukaszewski is not just a look back at the beginnings of haskap in Poland, but also a glimpse into a fast-developing area of modern horticulture. Once a niche curiosity, haskap is now a symbol of combining health, tradition, and innovation in farming.