The aronia berry, often referred to as “chokeberry,” is said to have a variety of he alth benefits. The berries, which taste sweet and sour to tart, contain many he althy ingredients and are found, among other things, in: Used as a medicine in the form of juices. But this little delicacy can also be used in many ways in the kitchen.
What is the aronia berry and what he alth benefits does it offer?
The aronia berry, also known as chokeberry, is a small, sweet and sour fruit that originally comes from North America. It is rich in he althy ingredients such as antioxidants, iron, flavonoids, folic acid, vitamin K and vitamin C. The berry is often used in juices and is said to help regulate blood pressure, promote blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.
Origin and classification of the chokeberry
The aronia berry originally comes from North America, where it was already cultivated by the local indigenous population. The berry was, among other things, Dried as a vitamin-rich energy source for the winter. In the 1950s, the shrub came to the Soviet Union and was refined and bred in various ways there. In this way, high-yielding and cold-resistant varieties were created, which are now also grown in Germany. In recent years there have been more and more lovers in private life. It is a branched, deciduous shrub that can grow between one and two meters high. The black or red fruits are about the size of a blueberry, but are shaped like a small apple. The aronia berry also has a core. The chokeberry belongs to the rose family and within it to the pome fruit subfamily.
Easy cultivation also in Germany
The aronia bush is quite undemanding and can be easily cultivated even in the climatic conditions common in Germany. The plant is robust and winter-hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -30 °C very well. It is a perennial, very productive shrub. A bush can bear fruit for about 20 years. It grows almost everywhere, but the soil should not be too sandy or clayey. In addition, several bushes – planted together – are ideal for forming an opaque hedge. The fruits can be harvested in abundance in the months of August to September and e.g. B. can be processed into compote, jam or juice.
Benefits of he althy aronia berries
Due to the high proportion of he althy ingredients, the aronia berry is considered a medicinal product in many places. The berry contains many antioxidants that are also used in cancer therapy. Eating the berries is said to help regulate blood pressure, promote blood circulation, protect the heart and strengthen the immune system.
Variety of he althy ingredients
- Aronia berries contain a lot of iron
- they are also rich in flavonoids,
- Folic acid
- Vitamin K
- and Vitamin C
Furthermore, the strongly colored berries can be used as a natural dye, e.g. B. from clothing.
Tips & Tricks
You can use aronia juice like elderberry juice, especially in winter, to strengthen your immune system: Heat the juice slowly and carefully - do not boil! – and add honey to taste.