Aronia Berry (aka. Black Chokeberry; Aronia melanocarpa) is a native of North America, with other similar related species found in Europe.
Of all the Aronia berries (for example, compared to purple or red), the Black Chokeberry contains the highest levels of anthocyanins, also reportedly being among the highest values measured in all plants.
The Aronia Berry is a shrub with glossy dark green leaves that has a mounding growth up to about 8 feet, sometimes used as an ornamental for erosion control.
Its small white clusters of flowers are followed by black berries in the early Fall. As the fruits are very astringent and feel like they make the mouth ‘pucker’, they are disliked by some people, but enjoyed by others who like their otherwise pleasant flavor.
For this reason, even though the berries can be consumed raw, they are usually mixed with other fruits and included in syrups, jams and jellies.
As the pectin content of the berries is high, they are useful in pie and jams, and the pectin content is valued by some for its health properties.
They are also used for making pemmican (a Native American dried meat).
Since Aronia Berries have an intense black or purple color, they are also often used as natural food colorants.
Traditionally, Aronia Berries have been used by Native Americans for colds and to support health and inflammation.
Through scientific investigation, Aronia has been found to exhibit antidiabetic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antiobesity, antiplatelet, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antihypertensive effects.
As they are rich in a type of phytochemical called quinic acid, they are also sometimes claimed to be as good or better than cranberry juice in preventing UTIs.
In one clinical study, regular consumption of the Aronia juice improved endothelial function and reduced blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
Although Aronia lacks much clinical confirmation, it does have high levels of the polyphenolic compounds that are well-known to be beneficial for many areas of health and chronic disease, and the functional food industry has taken notice of this.
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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
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