Berries grown in Ukraine: an overview of the most common crops

Ukraine has favorable climatic conditions for growing a wide range of berries. Thanks to fertile soils, sufficient precipitation and sun, berry growing has become an important part of the country's agriculture. In many regions, berries are grown not only for domestic consumption, but also for export. Below is a — overview of the most common berry crops in Ukraine with a brief description of each.

The most popular berry in Ukraine. It has a sweet taste, an attractive aroma and a large amount of vitamin C. It is grown in all regions starting from May. There are dozens of varieties of —, with different ripening periods. Strawberries are consumed fresh, used in jams, desserts and frozen.

It is valued for its delicate taste, aroma and high content of vitamins and antioxidants. Ukrainian farmers grow both traditional red and yellow, as well as remontant (re-fruited) varieties. Raspberries are sensitive to transportation, but they are actively processed into frost, jams and juices.

Popular in Western Ukraine, in particular in the Carpathian region. In addition to wild blueberries, commercial cultivation of tall varieties (blueberry) is increasingly developing. The berry is rich in anthocyanins, and promotes eye and heart health. It has a high demand on European markets.

This berry is gaining popularity among farmers. It has a dark color, rich taste and high yield. Blackberries are more resistant to disease than raspberries and are often used fresh or for processing. New spiny varieties have greatly simplified its care.

Black currant — is especially popular, a real vitamin "battery" (vitamins C, P, iron). The culture is unpretentious, grows well in all regions. It is used for jam, compotes, juices, as well as as a medicine for colds.

This berry is sometimes called the "northern grape". It has a sweet and sour taste and a pleasant dense skin. Quite resistant to diseases, well suited for making jellies, jams and compotes. It is gradually regaining popularity thanks to new varieties without spikes.

It grows mainly in Polissia, in wet and swampy areas. It has a sour taste, high acidity and antiseptic properties. Often used in folk medicine. Cranberries are perfectly stored and suitable for preparing sauces, juices and pastilles.

Another wild berry that grows in coniferous forests in the north of Ukraine. It has a tart taste and a red color. Valuable for its antiseptic and diuretic properties. Used in medicinal foods, sauces for meat, jams.

It is grown mostly in Volyn, Zhytomyr, Kyiv and Rivne regions. The culture requires acidic soils, but has high profitability. The berry is large, sweet, with a dense skin — ideal for export. Very popular in the EU.

One of the earliest berries of the — season ripens already in May. It has a sweet and sour taste with light notes of bitterness. In Ukraine, this culture is still not widespread, but has great potential. The berry is useful for the cardiovascular system.

Berry growing in Ukraine — is not only a source of vitamins for the population, but also a promising industry for agribusiness. Each berry has its own characteristics of cultivation, seasonality and consumption. With the development of storage and processing technologies, as well as the expansion of exports, Ukrainian berries are increasingly actively conquering international markets.