2021 Aronia Berry Harvest complete! We had great help for the day to make it a success. Was it all it could be? No, heavy frost and snow in our low lying fields dramatically limited yields. We had no berries in much of the lowest areas. Drought conditions limited the size of the berries, but they’re picked and out.
All total we picked about 8700 lbs of berries! We’d anticipated about 6,000 lbs. We keep thinking what if frost/snow hadn’t impacted our lower field!
By this time next week our fields will look drastically different, we will have had commercial harvesters pick our Aronia Berries. We’ll post pictures of the harvesting.
Lately we’ve been getting questions from small growers and folks at home who have berries, wondering why we haven’t picked them yet. Some people picked them when they first started turning purple because they look ripe.
We wait, sometimes impatiently, for the sugar content in the berries to rise. It helps our berries taste better than other berries which are harvested too early.
Our daughter says, “Sugar content?” (She’s not a fan of the fresh berries.) The sugar content in fruits vary from one to another. Aronia is a tart, dry, astringent berry that isn’t always a favorite of folks straight off the bush. We say it’s an acquired taste. Folks who aren’t really big sugar fans will enjoy the berries alone.
The berries begin turning purple in July. Through August the berries fill out and ripen. If you have berries at home and wonder when to pick them, wait for the stems to change from green, to reddish, to dry and brown in color.
Berries themselves have a dimpled bottom. As the berries fill out and ripen, you will notice the dimpled area become more prevalent.
If you cut a berry in half, a ripe berry will be uniformly colored all the way through.
If you harvest too early, it’s fine, your berries just will not be as tasty and nutritious as possible. Next year, be patient.
You’ve heard the darker the fruit or veggie the better for you, right? You can’t get much darker than Aronia Berries. The nutritional value is amazing.
It’s time to see for yourself how they grow, learn about how to use them and pick your supply now. Join us at the farm the next couple of weeks to pick your own!
University studies have found a number of reasons to include Aronia in your daily diet. Read all about some of those studies in previous posts. But in a nutshell, they can improve cardiovascular health, balance blood pressure and regulate blood sugar and lipids.
Polyphenols, anothocyanins and compounds found in our berries are believed to be anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic. We encourage everyone to add a handful of berries in their diet daily.
Our recent rain and cooler weather has been fabulous for our Aronia. When we planted Aronia Melanocarpa on our farm they were just tiny plants. We planted the Viking Aronia plugs 4 feet apart in a row, with 10 feet between rows.
After a few years of weed eating between plants, they began to fill out.
Now as you look down those same rows, we can’t through with a mower and walking in there is a real challenge. The Aronia Berries are weighting down branches and filling the aisles. It’s amazing to see the changes each year.
We anticipate opening up our farm for a U Pick operation in late August and early September. Although the berries look like they are ready, we wait until their sugar content is higher and produces a better tasting berry.
We’re often asked what they taste like. It’s a dry astringent taste much like a dry wine or a tart green apple. We love them right off the bush but for others it’s an acquired taste. Be sure to check out the Aronia Berry Recipes on this site to learn what to do with your Aronia.
COVID has been on everyone’s mind this past year. Nothing is normal. Hopes are pinned on vaccination and herd immunity, yet no one is discussing boosting your immune system.
Families are stressed. Jobs lost, working from home, schooling students at home, family members ill.
Healthcare is stressed to the max. Long-term care facilities are extremely scary places to be. Folks are dying alone. Families are overwhelmed.
Mental health is a true concern. Long-term isolation and financial stress are known causes for substance and physical abuse. Children not in school are particularly vulnerable.
Eating out has never been so different. As a former restauranteur, I worry about all those small businesses which are at a greater risk for failure in a normal year, but this year could be devastating to many. Not only restaurants, but theaters, non-profits, and many service industries are suffering as well.
Vaccines are coming. We know the time will come when this will all be a horrible memory. What can we do now? Guidelines preach hand washing, social distancing. Many are cleaning more now than ever before. Stay home. Take care of yourself.
When things are going well, do we ever really consider how our immune system is functioning? Some of us do because of health issues. But the vast majority of folks don’t really worry about it on a normal basis. Is there a way to help ourselves further? I believe there is.
Reduce toxins, keep moving, calm your mind, eat healthy, and supplement your diet. I know our Aronia Berries are boosting our immune system. Many folks are researching immune boosters now more than ever.
We have teamed up with A-2 Immune, Boone County Organics and Elder Farms. All are companies we fully trust who have developed amazing products using Aronia Berries to help folks boost their immunity.
Boone County Organics Powdered Aronia
I’m going to share an article the American Aronia Berry Association recently shared an article by Zachary MacDonald, Ph.D. student, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, nationally-ranked #3 Kinesiology doctoral program in the United States (by NAK)
We all know that the immune system is our body’s defense system against invaders (or infectious agents) such viruses and bacteria. However, something you might not know is how that the immune system is absolutely critical to normal bodily functions like digestion, regulating blood pressure, and managing chronic inflammation. Having a healthy immune system is not just about defending your body from nasty invaders, but also about overall health of every organ system.
Fortunately, consuming foods in our diet that support and possibly enhance immune function is impactful; making great choices about what we put in our bodies can help us function better and be more healthy. Such foods include berries packed full of compounds that improve cell function, ability to handle stress, and recovery from stress. Even the pigmentation that gives color to berries, some of which are called anthocyanins, are seen to have health benefits. Anthocyanins have a high amount of biological activity in inflammatory-related diseases such as cancer [1], diabetes [2], and cardiovascular disease [3]. Examples of anthocyanin-rich sources include blueberries, elderberry (also known as sambucus), and cherries.
For example, anthocyanins from wild blueberry powder were found to lower a pro-inflammatory protein complex called NF-κB in cell cultures [4], rats [5], and humans [6]. In elderberry, an anthocyanin called cyanidin 3-glucoside has been shown to significantly suppress the transmission of viruses in cell cultures, illustrating promising potential as a nutraceutical treatment for influenza [7].
There is one berry that stands out among the rest: the chokeberry, also known as aronia. There are several species of the chokeberry, but the black chokeberry in particular has been of great interest in the scientific community. This is due to its notably dark purple pigmentation, indicating its dense anthocyanin content, which is estimated to be the highest plant content of anthocyanin measured to date [8]!
Aronia has demonstrated its powerful anti-inflammatory effects in various ways. One way this has been shown is with the chronic digestive disorder colitis. Aronia appears to directly stimulate a type of immune protein called IL-10, which is vital to keeping excess intestinal inflammation at bay [9]. This berry has also shown to produce a mild but significant reduction in blood pressure, a symptom of what’s called “low-grade inflammation”. The reduction of this low-grade inflammation was explained by Aronia’s ability to decrease the inflammatory biomarkers IL-4, IL-5, and tumor necrosis factor-α in a 16-week human trial [10].
Aronia has also been shown to exhibit antibacterial and antiviral properties with its impressive anti-inflammatory abilities. An interesting speculation regarding aronia’s antibacterial properties is that it has shown to inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria, while at the same time illustrating a lower potential for bacteria to develop resistance to it in comparison to some antibiotics [11]. It has also exhibited its antiviral properties against two types of the influenza virus: seasonal and oseltamivir-resistant (meaning that it is resistant to the common antiviral medication commonly known as Tamiflu). Impressively, it was able to inhibit nearly 70% of both types of virus [12].
There is still much more to be done and especially in human subject studies. There are many studies using bacteria, mice, and cell cultures, but not nearly as many in clinical human trials. However, there are enough out there that do exist that allows us to see the general direction Aronia research is headed in, and it looks like a good one for sure. Consider including aronia and other immune-enhancing foods in your diet to improve your physical and physiological resiliency!
Science confirms what we’ve known for a while, daily supplementation with Aronia Berries reduces blood pressure and cholesterol. These little dark purple gems we have growing are great for your heart!
We have a friend who was interested in lowering her cholesterol. She added Aronia berries to her daily diet, usually consuming whole frozen berries in yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast. After her next doctor visit she let us know her cholesterol dropped 30 points. Adding Aronia berries was the only change made in her diet and lifestyle.
Normally at this time of year we would be working with harvesters, hustling to find a refrigerated truck, pallets, and enough totes to hold all the harvest. This year there’s no competition with the Iowa State Fair’s need for refrigeration trucks because of COVID.
Because of the early spring cold weather and snow, the berries all fell off. We were crushed. Farming is like a roller coaster, highs and lows. Truly a low this year.
I’ve had folks call recently getting ready to come pick their own berries. Since there are none, we are offering them frozen berries. We have lots of those, so if you’re looking for Aronia Berries for your morning smoothies or berries to make wonderful jams, or to bake, we have you covered.
We’ve also sent bulk berries to folks interested in juicing their own berries. Oh the healthy possibilities!
The fields are a live with the sweet smell of Aronia! Each lovely little flower will develop into a beautiful, dark purple berry full of healthy anti-oxidant power. Amazing isn’t it?
If you’re interested in growing your own Aronia or how to use Aronia, look through the posts or leave me a comment, I’d love to share more about these powerful purple berries!
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.
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.
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.
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.
What do you do with Aronia berries? That’s a common question we get when talking about our powerful anti-oxidant berries. So today we’ll talk a little bit about how to use Aronia berries.
Most folks don’t like to just eat Aronia berries alone. Which as a grower, is one of the stumbling blocks. The berries alone have a dry, astringent flavor. We sometimes tell folks they’re similar to a green apple, very tart, not very sweet, but worth it.
Many people believe they are like blueberries and just try to eat them out of the fresh package or right off the bush. If you don’t include a lot of sugar in your diet, you’ll love them this way. Right off the bush is one of my favorite ways to eat them, but I have health issues and don’t use much sugar at all. Children love them before their tastebuds are accustomed to sugar.
When we harvest Aronia berries really effects the flavor of the berries. Berries begin to turn purple and appear to be “ripe” sometimes in July. BUT, they are nasty tasting then. It’s a sin to those of us growing high quality berries and dedicated to the future of the industry to see the berries available too soon. Folks taste one of those berries and never want to try them again.
Aronia berries are at their peak when the brix level of the berries register on a refractometer between 18-23. The higher the brix (a measurement of sugar content) the sweeter the berries. In central Iowa, we achieve optimum brix content in very late August or September, dependent upon the weather conditions.
If you have your own berries and no refractometer, we also look for the fully filled out dimples in the bottom of the berries. Sounds strange I know but when they are ready, the bottom fills out and isn’t just round.
Another way to check your own berries is to cut one open to visually look at the color. A fully ripe berry is all one color magenta inside, not dark around the little seeds and lighter pulp, fully magenta.
On our recipe page you will find some of our favorite ways to use Aronia. Right now in our house for example, we have the chocolate chip Aronia cookies. I also made treats for some friends and the girls using red raspberries, stuffing them with an Aronia berry and drizzling them with chocolate. Chocolate and Aronia is a great combination. The Strawberry-Aronia jam is a morning staple for bagels and toast. We have also juiced some and add an ounce or so to orange juice daily. (Pineapple juice is also fabulous) I added a handful of frozen berries to oatmeal this morning. They are great in pancakes!
This weekend I have a pork roast I plan to cook with Grandma’s Special Aronia Cayenne Sauce, a blend of Aronia, jalepenos, and peppers. It’ awesome! We always seem to have a partial block of cream cheese with the Special Sauce on it for Woody’s snacking.
You can always comment and we’ll fix you up if you’re not in Central Iowa. Locally, you can get them at Fairways in Carlisle, Indianola, Norwalk and Fleur Drive. Gateway Market has our frozen berries as well. If your store doesn’t carry them, ask them to contact us, we’d be happy to supply:)
