Saskatoon Berry

Amelanchier alnifolia (Saskatoon Berry) is a deciduous shrub or small tree of the Rosaceae family, native to western North America. Botanically, it is closely related to the apple tree; it is characterized by oval leaves that are serrated at the top and white flowers arranged in clusters. The fruit is a dark purple to blue-black drupe with a waxy coating, resembling a blueberry in appearance, but with a characteristic persistent calyx (remnant of the flower) at the top. Nutritionally, the fruits are extremely rich in fiber, manganese, iron, calcium, and magnesium. The phytochemical profile is defined by a high concentration of polyphenols, especially flavonoids (primarily quercetin) and anthocyanins, which provide strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.