The aronia berry (also known as the choke berry or the Black Chokeberry (Aronia melancarpa/Aronia melanocarpa)), a close cousin of the blueberry, is known for its powerful antioxidant properties and benefits of those properties. They are dark pigmented berries that are extremely high in antioxidants. Higher than blueberries, higher than cranberries, higher, even, than pomegranates. Although native to the Americas, it is far more popular in Eastern Europe where its juice has been known to help people with heart conditions.
It has high levels of proanthocyanins and quinic acid (ten times more than cranberries). Quinic acid prevents urinary infection.
Some nutritional benefits are:
- Polyphenols
- Anthocyanins
- Quinic Acid
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Flavonols
In 2006, Nutrition and Cancer published a study done by the University of Maryland. The study on the choke berry found that this antioxidant berry may provide protection against colon cancer.
The fruit was commonly used by the Native Americans for the color as well as for fresh consumption. It is used in jelly making, candies, pie and cookie fillings, yogurt, sorbet and flavored milk.
The berry’s juice is extremely tart, so the natural juice is best sweetened. When sweetened it is a cross between a blueberry and a blackberry. The actual juice has a very dark purple color.
It can help with:
- Diabetes
- Inflamation
- Cardiovascular Ailments
- Circulatory Problems
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Influenza (Flu)
- Cancer
The author of The Aronia Berry Blog, mentioned that he found this statement about the berry’s bush:
“This shrub is so beautiful, easy to grow and so productive that it will become a staple in American backyards, as it has in Eastern Europe. In Europe and recently in the U.S. it is being widely used in delicious juices, soft drinks, jams and wine. It’s not an “aronia’s conclusion” that this, and the seabuckthorn, are the most productive fruiting bushes in captivity. The fruit is tart eaten fresh even when fully ripe. It is very high in Vitamin C. It is native to the U.S., but the best varieties were bred in Europe.”
It has a high ORAC Value, due to the high concentration of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, both of which contribute to it’s dark, almost black, color.
Probably the best source of this wonderful berry, other than the actual aronia berry itself is in a drink, which you can buy online is the Aronia Berry supplement.
Learn more about the Berry and its benefits, uses and availability:
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Aronia is a great antiviral. I drink the juice daily.
hi there! where do you buy your juice from? where do you buy the fresh berries? please. thank you
We sell a 16 oz. bottle of 100 % pure aronia concentrate for @$29.95. This is a 32 day supply. Visit our website http://www.superberries.com. We are also in health food stores across the country.
Aronia ssp are not related to blueberry tribe. The latter require acid soils. Aronia is in the rose family, and tollerates any soil types.
Hi Team:
Here is some info on Aronia berry.
Lorenda
I currently have 1,300 lbs. of aronia berries in cold storage and for sale. Asking $4.00/lb plus shipping. Bulk orders of 50lbs. or more receive a 20% price discount.
e-mail at: gclassen77@gmail.com for details
What kind of sugar does the Aronia Berries have in them?
Where can I purchase the plant, I would like to grow it n my backyard!
Also, where can I buy the juice, or the aroniaberry?
Hi Martha,
I prefer http://www.blazerfarmz.com/ – you can buy fresh aronia berries through them.
I have not tried buying the plant, but I hear that there are many sources where they can buy the Autumn Magic variety listed on the web.
Thanks,
Jenny
Martha,
We do have frozen aronia berries for sale, please visit our site to view our products. We also have 100% aronia juice in 16 oz bottles derived through the cold press method, which does not destroy the beneficial qualities of the berries. We are currently waiting on our label to arrive from the printers before we can begin shipping it, but check the site soon for availability on the juice.
Thanks for your interest,
Toby
http://www.blazerfarmz.com
We sell a 16 oz. bottle of 100 % pure aronia concentrate for @$29.95. This is a 32 day supply. Visit our website http://www.superberries.com. We are also in health food stores across the country.
What is the difference between aronia berries and choke cherries?
I believe they are the same thing. It’s usually choke berries though – not cherries.
Choke cherries are very similar to choke berries (Aronia) but they have a pit in them like a cherry, hence the name. They are usually very astringent (drying) to the taste, but are also high in anthocyanins like Aronia.
Thanks for responding Toby – now I know I was wrong.
Looking for information about a bush called “gumar” or “jelly berry”. I’ve been making excellent jelly with it but cannot find a scientific name or any other info. Please forward if this sounds familiar. Thanks!!! LeAnn
LeAnn,
Could it be “gurmar extract”? If so, here’s the herb it comes from – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnema_sylvestre
Thanks,
Jenny
We have products made from Aroniaberries. See http://www.superberries.com.
We also have fresh frozen aroniaberries and we ship them (in a special cooler) anywhere in the US.
I grow Aronia berries in North Wales our berries are organically grown and hand picked…any one intrested please phone for more information telephone 01286 830375.
Anna, want to do an interview and be featured on my website? It would be additional exposure. Thanks, Jenny
hi
i live near by Chicago, i would like to buy fresh aronia but not frozen
anybody knows where?
thanks
If you are unable to buy fresh aronia berries, we have frozen aronia berries available at the Fruitful Yield Health Food stores and other locations in Illinois. http://www.superberries.com/find-location
I planted these bushes in my yard several years ago. I had no idea the value they until when I researched them. I decided to make some jelly, and it’s delicious! I made 20 pints and there’s plenty more berries out there.