Temperate Berry Crops

Wherever humans have lived, they have made berries a part of their diet. Most of these have never been developed beyond local markets but some have become economically important crops. In this paper, the berry crops have been divided into four groups based on their current international popularity and potential future value. An overview of the status of development, current production, and future potential for these crops is presented with an American perspective. The discussion is limited to temperate “berry” crops that are produced on a shrub, a perennial herbaceous plant, or a vine, which excludes many of the cherry/plum (Prunus sp., Rosaceae) relatives; jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill., Rhamnaceae); Cornus sp. Cornaceae; Sorbus sp., Rosaceae; and many other tree fruit.