Aronia is a genus of deciduous shrubs, the chokeberries, in the family Rosaceae native to eastern North America and most commonly found in wet woods and swamps. The genus Aronia is considered to have 3 species. The most common and widely used is Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) which emerged from Eastern North America. The lesser known Aronia arbutifolia (red chokeberry) and the hybrid form of the abovementioned species called Aronia prunifolia (purple chokeberry) were first cultivated in Central and Eastern North America. In the eighteenth century, the first shrubs of the best-known species Aronia melanocarpa reached Europe where they were first cultivated in Scandinavia and Russia.
Chokeberries are cultivated as ornamental plants and as food products. The sour berries, or aronia berries, can be eaten raw off the bush, but are more frequently processed. They can be used to make wine, jam, syrup, juice, soft spreads, tea, salsa, extracts, beer, ice cream, gummies, and tinctures. The name “chokeberry” comes from the astringency of the fruits, which create the sensation of making one’s mouth pucker.
An aronia wine is made in Lithuania and Minnesota. In Poland, aronia berries are added to jams and juices or dried to make an herbal tea sometimes blended with other ingredients, such as blackcurrant. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the berries are sold fresh and frozen or made into juices, jams and teas. Aronia is also used as a flavoring or colorant for beverages or yogurts. Juice from the ripe berries is astringent, semi-sweet (moderate sugar content), sour (low pH), and contains a low level of vitamin C. The berries have a tart flavor and, in addition to juice, can be baked into breads. In the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, aronia juice concentrate is used in manufactured juice blends.
ARONIA BERRIES: ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL SUPERFOODS
Source: https://www.shorelinefruit.com/blog/aronia-berries-one-of-the-most-powerful-superfoods
One of the newest members to the super fruit team, aronia berries, are known to promote an array of health benefits including cardiovascular health and immune system support, as well as aiding in digestion.*
Aronia berries have recently risen in popularity among consumers eager to incorporate more superfoods into their diet. Native to North America, aronia berries are also known as chokeberries because of their tart, mouth-drying effect when consumed. These berries can add an incredible boost of flavor to smoothies, pies, sauces and more. Check out some delicious aronia berry recipes featured later in this article!
Why Aronia Berries Outrank Others
These berries pack a powerful punch! Aronia berries contain tons of vitamins and minerals, including zinc, magnesium, iron, and vitamins C, B, and K. Compared to other fruits, aronia berries have the highest level of antioxidants, which are a chemical compound that protect your body’s cells from damaging effects of oxidation. Antioxidants are a natural anti-aging promotor, and are believed to protect against cancer and heart disease. From the inside of your body, to the appearance of your skin, fruits with high levels of antioxidants are incredibly beneficial!
The Anti-Aging Berry
Before diving into how aronia berries improve internal health and wellness, we cannot forget the body’s largest organ… your skin. Because of the high levels of antioxidants, aronia berries are an essential anti-aging component. They help protect your skin from harsh outside factors such as pollution, smoke and UV radiation, which can all contribute to wrinkles and aged skin. Aronia berries enhance youthfulness from the inside out!
Let’s Breakdown the Health Benefits
In addition to promoting overall wellness, aronia berries have been found to:
- Offer overall improvement of the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems*
- Help combat the growth of certain cancers*
- Protect the liver and reduce the damage of stomach disorders*
- Support the immune system and help fight diseases and infections*
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ARONIA THE SUPERFOOD THAT PROTECTS YOUR HEART
This black or red aronia berry has secrets to tell you. American Indians have long enjoyed its benefits. At the beginning of the 20th century, a Russian botanist discovered all the resources that could be exploited in the regions of Russia where this hardy wild plant can grow in temperatures as low as -35°C.
Aronia is one of the plants richest in vitamin C and antioxidants. It can be consumed in teas, infusions, fruit juices and elixirs.
ARONIA MELANOCARPA SHRUB
This berry comes in the form of a small shrub that produces small, delicate red or black berries that look like blueberries.
ARONIA BERRIES – WHEN CAN THEY BE EATEN?
They can be eaten from July to December
THIS BERRY BUSH WAS THE FIRST TO BE NOTICED AND AWARDED PRIZES IN ENGLISH HORTICULTURAL COMPETITIONS FOR ITS ORNAMENTAL QUALITIES.
LEVON ARONIAN
In spring, the bushes are covered with beautiful white blossoms reminiscent of apple blossoms. Hence its German name: Apfelbeere.
Birds also enjoy this delicious little berry, and at the same time help to propagate it.
ARONIA CULTIVATION: TECHNICAL DATA
- Botanical name: Aronia melanocarpa or aronia arbustifolia
- Family: Rosaceae
- Type: Fruiting shrub
- Height: 1.5 to 3 m
- Exposure: Sun
- Soil: Ordinary, not too calcareous, not too dry, requiring regular watering in case of water stress.
- Foliage: Deciduous
- Flowering: April
- Harvest: August
Unlike other rosaceae, this plant is little affected by insect pests and diseases. Fire blight, a danger to rosaceae, does not affect this plant.
BENEFITS OF WILD CHOKEBERRY
- The aronia is one of the plants that contains the most antioxidants, which protect our cells and our DNA from the attack of free radicals generated by our organism.
- It is very rich in vitamin C, which strengthens our immune system.
- It contains many flavonoid antioxidants that protect our eyes by helping to filter out ultraviolet rays.
- The aronia berry is low in calories and therefore contributes to our weight health. It is a valuable tool for weight loss, especially in the stomach area.
- Thanks to its powerful antioxidants, it is a good cardiovascular protector, helping us to fight arthritis and cancers.
- It regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- It treats intestinal, stomach and liver disorders.
- It strengthens our immune system in autumn and winter and thus helps to protect us from the weaknesses of the cold seasons.
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