Aronia berries

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A power berry from North America

The aronia berry, also known as the (black) chokeberry, is a berry fruit native to Europe and North America. Today, aronia berries are still grown mainly in Poland, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine and, increasingly, in North America. In Switzerland, cultivation of the berry has increased in recent years as the fruit has become increasingly popular due to its health benefits.

Find aronia berries from the farm

Discover the aronia berry

Round and healthy

The aronia berry is often referred to as a superfood, because the small berries, which are 6 to 8 mm in size and have dark red flesh, are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that fight free radicals in the body and can help reduce inflammation and disease. The berries also contain a high concentration of anthocyanins, plant substances that are responsible for their dark colour and have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, aronia berries contain vitamins C, K and E as well as fibre, which is important for digestion and general health.

Image: Sabrina Flückiger

Beware of thieving birds

Aronia berry bushes grow up to 2.5 metres tall and usually thrive in moist and nutrient-rich soils. They can withstand temperatures as low as minus 20°C without any problems. The plants are easy to care for and don’t require any special attention. They do, however, like a sunny location and need plenty of space. As they form a wide root network, aronia berry leaves stay fresh and green even when there is little rain. The small berries ripen in late summer. To stop the birds from eating them, our farmers protect their bushes with nets until the berries are picked by hand in August or September, before they are used in a variety of different ways.

Image: Sabrina Flückiger

Juice or muffins

Numerous farms have specialised in the production of aronia berry juice, jams and other products that they sell in farm shops or online. Aronia berries can be eaten fresh or dried and can be made into juice, smoothies, jams and baked goods like muffins. When baking with aronia berries it is important to remember that the berries are quite juicy and can make the pastry or dough somewhat moister. It may therefore be a good idea to dust the berries lightly with flour beforehand so as to reduce the excess moisture, or to use dried berries for baking.

The tart, sweet taste of aronia berries comes from their many tannins. Like red wine, they leave a furry or dry feeling in the mouth. Those who are not put off by this will have found a friend for life in the healthy aronia berry.

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