In this unique time of COVID-19, we’re finding more folks must be researching food as medicine. We’re seeing more interest recently from folks looking for Aronia Berries in the stores we serve in the Des Moines area and calling to discuss Aronia. It’s exciting, folks are finally taking the time to research healthy diet choices. Sad because of the terrible threat we all face. We know Aronia Melanocarpa has multiple health benefits. Some have categorized Aronia Berries as a superfruit. We believe completely in the health benefits and consume berries daily.

BOOSTS HEALTH

The Aronia berry is one of the most antioxidant-rich superfoods in the world. Packed with polyphenols, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, B2, B6, B9, C, E, and more. Aronia may help manage chronic conditions and prevent illness.

Woody is nearly 84, you wouldn’t know it and he fools many. One of his doctors recently asked him how he was in such good shape for his age. To be fair, it was a pain doctor, as he struggles terribly with osteoarthritis after several injuries and accidents. She wanted some berries though. She’d seen his blood work and his ability to cope with the severe arthritis. She is just one medical professional we’ve seen consuming berries. Recently a midwife encouraged one of her patients to seek out Aronia. We know an OB/GYN in the area who believes in the power of Aronia for her family.

History of Aronia Melanocarpa Berry

Native to the midwest, the fruits of Aronia melanocarpa have been traditionally used by Potawatomi Native Americans to cure colds. In the first half of the 20th century, cultivars of black chokeberry were introduced to the Soviet Union and other European countries, providing fruits used by food industry.

At present, it is used mainly for juice, jam, smoothies, powdered supplements and wine production. Aronia is great in baked goods, soups, granolas and smoothies. The deep black-purple coloring of Aronia indicates its high antioxidant content. Higher than most other common berries.

Among other substances, the berries of Aronia melanocarpa contain anthocyanins and procyanidins, possessing strong antioxidative potential. Numerous health-promoting activities-namely, antioxidative, antimutagenic, anticancer, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, radioprotective, and immunomodulatory-have been demonstrated for black chokeberry extracts by both in vitro and in in vivo studies. Read more about the Pub Med study here.

Aronia is a fairly common ornamental plant; it has nice shiny leaves and fragrant flowers, and requires little upkeep. We see them here at malls, office complexes and grocery stores. In the US, though, it’s not been commonly eaten because like the cranberry, it’s highly acidic and astringent when raw. In a US diet full of sugar and processed foods, the Aronia flavor is not often enjoyed straight off the bush or out of the freezer. We enjoy the berries this way, but it is an acquired taste or one appreciated by those who avoid most sugar.

Can You Grow Aronia For Your Family?

Definitely, we believe it is a beautiful plant to add to your landscape if you live in an area which gets enough winter. A true double-duty plant, beautiful and yet producing high-quality fruit for your family. It doesn’t have to be relegated to the backyard.