4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes to Try This Summer + Where to Pick Saskatoons in Alberta | Vegan Gingered Saskatoon Peach Crumble | Wild Saskatoon Berry Crumble | Honeyed Saskatoon Cherry Gimlet | Summer Bounty Salad with Saskatoon Cider Vinaigrette | Gluten Free Saskatoon Citrus Banana Bread | Plant Based Serviceberry and Prairie Berry Recipes | Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Refined Sugar Saskatoon Recipes | Calgary Lifestyle and Food Blogger // JustineCelina.com
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4 HEALTHY SASKATOON BERRY RECIPES + WHERE TO PICK SASKATOONS IN ALBERTA


It’s the height of summer here on the Alberta prairies — which means our saskatoon berries are ripe and ready for picking! Longtime readers will know I have quite an affection for this quintessentially Albertan berry, and every August, my saskatoon recipes become the most viewed pieces of content here at JustineCelina. Today I’m compiling them all for you in one convenient location with this 4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes roundup, as well as sharing Where to Pick Saskatoons in Alberta! If you’ve always been intrigued by these antioxidant-packed berries but have never known what to do with them (or where to find them!), you’ve come to the right place! Consider this post your one-stop resource for everything you’ve ever wanted to know about saskatoon berries as I share my favourite saskatoon berry picking spots and tips along with 4 plant based saskatoon recipes incorporating them into seasonal breakfast, baking, salad, cocktails and dessert!  

Have you ever tried a saskatoon? While they’re sometimes called Serviceberries, Juneberries or Prairie Berries and resemble blueberries, they actually taste quite different. Believe it or not, Saskatoons are actually more closely related to roses (hailing from the Rosaceae family) and have a deeper, richer, nuttier flavour that’s somehow wilder than blueberries — it’s very distinct and difficult to describe! Saskatoon berries also pack a nutritional punch, containing high levels of protein, calcium, iron, and antioxidants — making them a wonderful addition to a balanced diet. If you live in an area where saskatoons grow, I highly recommend getting out to sample them for yourself while crops are at their peak. With the intense heatwave we’ve been experiencing lately, this year’s crop will likely fade before mid August — so there’s no time like the present! Since the season is fleeting, I was eager to publish this roundup for those of you looking for extensively tested saskatoon recipes that utilize local, seasonal ingredients and are free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar. If you’re picking saskatoons this summer and are looking for some fresh ideas (or details on my favourite saskatoon u-pick locations), I’ve totally got you covered! 


4 HEALTHY SASKATOON BERRY RECIPES


Vegan Gingered Saskatoon Peach Crumble | 4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes to Try This Summer + Where to Pick Saskatoons in Alberta | Vegan Saskatoon Berry Recipes | Easy Saskatoon Berry Crisp Recipe | Serviceberry Recipes | Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Refined Sugar Saskatoon Recipes | Vegan Saskatoon Crisp | What flavors go well with Saskatoons | Easy Prairies Saskatoon Berry Crumble | Saskatoon Berry Recipes Crisp | Calgary Lifestyle and Plant Based Food Blogger // JustineCelina.com

Friends, I have so much saskatoon goodness to share that I’m going to jump right in! You’ll find information about where to pick saskatoon berries in Alberta right after this introduction, followed by my favourite saskatoon recipes. I’ve categorized them by recipe type, where I’ve included photos, summaries and a link to each individual recipe post — as well as indicated which sub-category each recipe falls into: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free and Freezer Friendly. You’ll also find a Pinterest friendly graphic at the footer for easy reference if you’d like to bookmark this roundup for later. I hope enjoy my favourite plant based saskatoon recipes and tips about the best spots to pick them in Alberta!

4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes to Try This Summer + Where to Pick Saskatoons in Alberta | Saskatoon Picking at the Saskatoon Farm in Foothills, Alberta | Alberta Saskatoon Picking in August | Woman holding a wicker basket full of Saskatoon berries | Vegan Saskatoon Berry Recipes | Easy Saskatoon Berry Crisp Recipe | Serviceberry Recipes | Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Refined Sugar Saskatoon Recipes | Calgary Lifestyle and Food Blogger // JustineCelina.com


WHERE TO PICK SASKATOONS IN ALBERTA


Saskatoon picking in rural Alberta, Canada // JustineCelina.com

This will be my third summer picking saskatoons in Alberta — and from private picking sessions at friends farms, to literally discovering saskatoon bushes growing wild alongside gravel roads, to stopping in to my favourite u-pick locations and local farms, I’ve scoured the province in search of these delicious prairie berries!

Saskatoon picking in rural Alberta, Canada // JustineCelina.com

Foraging for wild Saskatoons in Foothills, Alberta | Calgary Food & Lifestyle Blogger // JustineCelina.com

My top recommendation for a fun, family-friendly saskatoon picking adventure is The Saskatoon Farm in Foothills, Alberta. In addition to an abundance of flourishing u-pick saskatoon bushes, they also offer other u-pick produce (call ahead or check their socials for updates), and have lovely selection of farm fresh produce, delicious baking, plants, various prairie-inspired home goods and fashion available for purchase. The farm is about 15 minutes south of Calgary, the drive is beautifully scenic and it’s a such a unique destination! 

Summer Bounty Salad with Saskatoon Cider Vinaigrette | #Vegan #GlutenFree Summer Salad Recipes using locally grown Alberta produce | Saskatoon Picking at the Saskatoon Farm in Foothills, Alberta | Calgary Food & Lifestyle Blogger // JustineCelina.com

This site provides a comprehensive, continuously updated resource about where to pick saskatoons in Alberta. If you’re located too far away to visit the Saskatoon Farm, I highly recommend checking out the page linked above to select your region and learn more about the saskatoon u-pick and saskatoon orchards nearest to you! 

Saskatoon picking in rural Alberta, Canada // JustineCelina.com

You may also find saskatoon berries available for purchase at various farmers markets in and around the Calgary area during August. As availability tends to vary based on crop abundance, it’s best to call ahead and inquire prior to your visit! 

4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes to Try This Summer + Where to Pick Saskatoons in Alberta | Saskatoon Picking at the Saskatoon Farm in Foothills, Alberta | Alberta Saskatoon Picking in August | Smiling Brunette Woman picking saskatoon bushes at the Saskatoon Farm in Alberta | Vegan Saskatoon Berry Recipes | Easy Saskatoon Berry Crisp Recipe | Serviceberry Recipes | Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Refined Sugar Saskatoon Recipes | Calgary Lifestyle and Food Blogger // JustineCelina.com If you already have your saskatoons picked, washed, sorted and ready to go, below you’ll find a collection of my favourite healthy, plant-based recipes! 


BAKING


Gluten Free Saskatoon Citrus Banana Bread | Free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar and full of healthier, natural substitutions perfect for those with food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities | Best Saskatoon Berry Recipes | Saskatoon Berry Recipes Gluten Free | Clean Banana Bread Recipe | Saskatoon Banana Bread | Banana Saskatoon Loaf | Healthy Gluten Free Banana Bread | Calgary Clean Food Blogger, Recipe Developer and Food Stylist // JustineCelina.com

GLUTEN FREE SASKATOON CITRUS BANANA BREAD

Vegetarian, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Freezer Friendly

My Gluten Free Saskatoon Citrus Banana Bread is free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar and full of healthier, natural substitutions — perfect for those of us with food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities. An inspired melange of bananas, saskatoons and fresh orange and lemon juices combine with plant-based baking staples of coconut, maple and just a splash of bourbon (it’s my newest baking secret ingredient!) to create a bright, nourishing banana bread combining the best of summer and winter with a cheerful, citrusy twist!

Gluten Free Saskatoon Citrus Banana Bread | Free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar and full of healthier, natural substitutions perfect for those with food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities | Best Saskatoon Berry Recipes | Saskatoon Berry Recipes Gluten Free | Clean Banana Bread Recipe | Saskatoon Banana Bread | Banana Saskatoon Loaf | Healthy Gluten Free Banana Bread | Calgary Clean Food Blogger, Recipe Developer and Food Stylist // JustineCelina.comIt makes for a fantastic breakfast, snack or clean dessert anytime you’re craving a berry-forward banana bread, year round. If you have an abundance of seasonal berries and a freezer full of bananas on hands, it’s time get them defrosting, pour yourself a cup of coffee, haul out your mixing bowls and throw on your apron — this recipe is for you! I’ve also included baking instructions for a muffin variation, if you prefer. Both are totally delicious and freeze very well! 

Gluten Free Saskatoon Citrus Banana Bread | Free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar and full of healthier, natural substitutions perfect for those with food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities | Best Saskatoon Berry Recipes | Saskatoon Berry Recipes Gluten Free | Clean Banana Bread Recipe | Calgary Clean Food Blogger, Recipe Developer and Food Stylist | Brunette woman enjoying a slice of banana bread in her bright and airy bohemian living room // JustineCelina.com


SALADS


Summer Bounty Salad with Saskatoon Cider Vinaigrette | #Vegan #GlutenFree #FarmtoTable Summer Salad Recipes using locally grown Alberta produce | Calgary Food & Lifestyle Blogger // JustineCelina.com

SUMMER BOUNTY SALAD WITH SASKATOON CIDER VINAIGRETTE

Vegan, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My Summer Bounty Salad with Saskatoon Cider Vinaigrette is inspired by the abundant seasonal produce and herbs available at our local markets (and in the wild!) at the height of summer! This colourful, local, ultra fresh salad can be on your table in 15 minutes and is brimming with incredible, heart-healthy, antioxidant-rich superfoods and nutrients.

Summer Bounty Salad with Saskatoon Cider Vinaigrette | #Vegan #GlutenFree #FarmtoTable Summer Salad Recipes using locally grown Alberta produce | Calgary Food & Lifestyle Blogger // JustineCelina.com

Straight from our Alberta farms to your table, a vitamin-infused bed of baby spinach and arugula showcases a striking mosaic of freshly picked saskatoon berries, garden peas, shredded golden beets, crisp radishes, fresh mint, sunflower seeds and scallions — dressed with a punchy Saskatoon Cider Vinaigrette celebrating Alberta’s favorite berry (saskatoons are great in salad dressing!). Enjoy this feel good salad as a light, plant based entrée whenever you’re in the mood for something quick and nutritious, or as a beautiful accompaniment to grilled fish (it’s great with with trout or salmon), meat or tofu!

Summer Bounty Salad with Saskatoon Cider Vinaigrette | #Vegan #GlutenFree #FarmtoTable Summer Salad Recipes using locally grown Alberta produce | Calgary Food & Lifestyle Blogger // JustineCelina.com


COCKTAILS 


Honeyed Saskatoon Cherry Gimlet | A 4 ingredient craft cocktail made with Eau Claire Distillery’s Saskatoon Honey Gin | Refined Sugar Free Gin Cocktail | A simple gimlet made with artisanal gin, Saskatoon berries, Alberta honey, Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters and fresh lime juice | The Best Easy Gin Cocktails | Simple Spring Gin Cocktail | Pink gin cocktails in gold rimmed coupe glasses garnished with Saskatoon berries and pink roses | Calgary Cocktail and Lifestyle Blogger // JustineCelina.com
HONEYED SASKATOON CHERRY GIMLET 

Vegetarian, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My Honeyed Saskatoon Cherry Gimlet is a refreshingly spirited, 4 ingredient spring cocktail inspired by doing the best you can with what you have, where you are. The best part? If you have a well-stocked bar, you likely already have all of the ingredients on hand (and if not, I’ve tagged local businesses where you can purchase online to show your support during this challenging time!). 

Honeyed Saskatoon Cherry Gimlet | A 4 ingredient craft cocktail made with Eau Claire Distillery’s Saskatoon Honey Gin | Refined Sugar Free Gin Cocktail | A simple gimlet made with artisanal gin, Saskatoon berries, Alberta honey, Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters and fresh lime juice | The Best Easy Gin Cocktails | Simple Spring Gin Cocktail | Spring Gimlet Ingredients | Calgary Cocktail and Lifestyle Blogger // JustineCelina.com
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This simple but perfectly balanced craft cocktail combines Eau Claire Distillery’s Saskatoon Honey Gin with Honey Simple Syrup, cherry bitters and freshly squeezed lime juice shaken over ice — and can be prepared with ease by home bar beginners and skilled mixologists alike. Bring the cocktail bar to your the comfort of your own home this summer with my Honeyed Saskatoon Cherry Gimlet — a quintessentially Albertan twist on a classic gin cocktail! 

Honeyed Saskatoon Cherry Gimlet | A 4 ingredient craft cocktail made with Eau Claire Distillery’s Saskatoon Honey Gin | Refined Sugar Free Gin Cocktail | A simple gimlet made with artisanal gin, Saskatoon berries, Alberta honey, Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters and fresh lime juice | The Best Easy Gin Cocktails | Simple Spring Gin Cocktail | Pink gin cocktails in gold rimmed coupe glasses garnished with Saskatoon berries and pink roses | Calgary Cocktail and Lifestyle Blogger // JustineCelina.com


DESSERT 


Wild Saskatoon Berry Crumble | Dairy, Gluten & Refined Sugar Free // JustineCelina.com

WILD SASKATOON BERRY CRUMBLE

Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

Enjoy the bounty of our beautiful Canadian prairies with my Wild Saskatoon Berry Crumble — a simple, 9 ingredient recipe with a wholesome, plant based spin. It’s free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar — and bursting with decadent berry flavour! Freshly picked saskatoons are bathed in bright lemon juice then naturally sweetened with rich, caramel laden coconut sugar and sprinkled with a hearty topping including quick oats, homemade oat flour, more coconut sugar, Himalayan pink salt, cinnamon, chopped almonds and coconut oil.

This vibrant, crowd pleasing dessert that accommodates food allergies and sensitivities without compromising those classic crumble characteristics we all know and love (I promise, no one will know it’s a ‘free from’ dessert!). It’s a no fuss summer dessert that’s ideal for entertaining and can be on your table in 45 minutes!

Vegan Gingered Saskatoon Peach Crumble | 4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes to Try This Summer + Where to Pick Saskatoons in Alberta | Vegan Saskatoon Berry Recipes | Easy Saskatoon Berry Crisp Recipe | Serviceberry Recipes | Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Refined Sugar Saskatoon Recipes | Vegan Saskatoon Crisp | What flavors go well with Saskatoons | Easy Prairies Saskatoon Berry Crumble | Saskatoon Berry Recipes Crisp | Calgary Lifestyle and Plant Based Food Blogger // JustineCelina.com

VEGAN GINGERED SASKATOON PEACH CRUMBLE

Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

Last year I whipped up this version of my original recipe by substituting half of the saskatoon berries with fresh peaches and also grated in a tablespoon of fresh ginger. While this isn’t a combination I likely wouldn’t have considered if I hadn’t had some fresh peaches and ginger on that that needed to be used up, the results were absolutely delicious — maybe even better than the original!

Vegan Gingered Saskatoon Peach Crumble | 4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes to Try This Summer + Where to Pick Saskatoons in Alberta | Vegan Saskatoon Berry Recipes | Easy Saskatoon Berry Crisp Recipe | Serviceberry Recipes | Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Refined Sugar Saskatoon Recipes | Vegan Saskatoon Crisp | What flavors go well with Saskatoons | Easy Prairies Saskatoon Berry Crumble | Saskatoon Berry Recipes Crisp | Calgary Lifestyle and Plant Based Food Blogger // JustineCelina.com

While I haven’t shared a dedicated post with these substitutions to my original Wild Saskatoon Berry Crumble recipe, I did snap these photos and wanted to share the results with you in this roundup. This is a very adaptable recipe, so feel free to make it your own, using pretty much whatever other fruit you have on hand if  you don’t have enough saskatoons, or simply like experimenting. Feel free to comment or email me anytime for substitution advice!


PIN MY 4 HEALTHY SASKATOON BERRY RECIPES + ALBERTA SASKATOON U-PICKING GUIDE


4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes to Try This Summer + Where to Pick Saskatoons in Alberta | Vegan Gingered Saskatoon Peach Crumble | Wild Saskatoon Berry Crumble | Honeyed Saskatoon Cherry Gimlet | Summer Bounty Salad with Saskatoon Cider Vinaigrette | Gluten Free Saskatoon Citrus Banana Bread | Plant Based Serviceberry and Prairie Berry Recipes | Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Refined Sugar Saskatoon Recipes | Alberta Saskatoon U-Pick Guide | Calgary Lifestyle & Food Blogger // JustineCelina.com


4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes to Try This Summer + Where to Pick Saskatoons in Alberta | Saskatoon Picking at the Saskatoon Farm in Foothills, Alberta | Alberta Saskatoon Picking in August | Smiling Brunette Woman picking saskatoon bushes at the Saskatoon Farm in Alberta | Vegan Saskatoon Berry Recipes | Easy Saskatoon Berry Crisp Recipe | Serviceberry Recipes | Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Refined Sugar Saskatoon Recipes | Calgary Lifestyle and Food Blogger // JustineCelina.com

Thanks for stopping by for my 4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes roundup and my favourite saskatoon picking spots! I’m so looking forward to my annual saskatoon picking adventure this weekend (we’re headed to the Saskatoon Farm) and can’t wait to experiment with the bounty. What type of saskatoon berry recipes interest you most? I currently have a few in testing stages that I can’t wait to share as soon as they’re ready, but wanted to give you your annual saskatoon fix by publishing this roundup in the meantime! 

As always, if you try one of my recipes, please let me know how you liked it — I absolutely love your feedback! Leave me a comment, or tag me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. I’d love you to hashtag #justinecelinarecipes in your recreations so I can find them — browsing my feed and stumbling on your beautiful recreations is one of my favourite feelings! I also have a Pinterest board for my recipes if you’re looking for more healthy, plant based meal ideas this summer. Happy saskatoon picking (and eating!), friends! 


Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored, and contains my genuine thoughts, ideas and recommendations. JustineCelina uses affiliate and referral links, which allow me to receive a small commission when you make a purchase through one of my links. Thank you for supporting the brands and businesses that support JustineCelina.com!

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8 Comments

  • Reply HONEYED SASKATOON CHERRY GIMLET - JustineCelina August 8, 2020 at 12:40 pm

    […] you love saskatoons, check out my 4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes + Where to Pick Saskatoons In Alberta […]

  • Reply WILD SASKATOON BERRY CRUMBLE - JustineCelina August 8, 2020 at 12:48 pm

    […] lovers, check out my 4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes + Where to Pick Saskatoons In Alberta […]

  • Reply Bernice Hill August 18, 2020 at 2:07 pm

    Great post!! I used to travel the dirt roads when I was into geocaching and an added perk in August was always finding roadside Saskatoon berry stashes. Once in a while, I love a good feed because it reminds me of berry picking with my grandma and the resulting Saskatoon Pies! I had no idea they had so many different names. Very informative post Justine.

    • Reply Justine August 18, 2020 at 5:38 pm

      I’ve never geocached — but I’m intrigued! Thanks for the post love, Bernice! I can’t wait to check out what you’ve been up to lately!

  • Reply Terri August 24, 2020 at 7:47 am

    I am sooo glad that I still have Saskatoon berries – these recipes are Amazing! But that salad and vinaigrette- OMG. I will be making that and I can’t wait!

    • Reply Justine August 24, 2020 at 9:16 am

      Thank you, Terri! I love blending fresh berries into my vinaigrettes and saskatoons are perfect for it because they bind the dressing together so beautifully. I’d love your feedback if you try the recipe!

  • Reply SUMMER 2020 LOOKBOOK + STYLE CONTENT UPDATE - JustineCelina August 29, 2020 at 12:02 pm

    […] it up immediately. I purchased my bag locally at Saskatoon Farm’s Buffalo Room (hop over to this post for more on the Saskatoon Farm!) after it caught my eye on their Instagram page. I’d been […]

  • Reply GLUTEN FREE SASKATOON CITRUS BANANA BREAD - JustineCelina December 23, 2022 at 2:24 pm

    […] lovers, check out my 4 Healthy Saskatoon Berry Recipes + Where to Pick Saskatoons In Alberta […]

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