Aronia melanocarpa

Black chokeberry typically grows up to 1 m (can reach up to 3 m) and reproduces through roots. The leaves are small, up to 6 cm wide, with serrated edges; they are dark green during the vegetation period and turn a decorative bright red color in the fall. The flowers are white in clusters. Round, purple-black fruits (berries) regularly appear in large numbers. Each fruit has a diameter of 6–13.5 mm and weighs 1.0–1.5 g.

Fruits are initially covered with a whitish coating, without which they look as if they are lacquered, and they ripen in August. The berry has an intense purple-black color and a sweet to tart taste reminiscent of blueberries and pomegranates. There are no pits in the fruit, and the seeds are tiny.

Chokeberry originates from North America, and at the beginning of the 20th century, it began to be cultivated in Russia and Scandinavia. Nowadays, it is widespread across Eastern Europe. Chokeberry fruits do not accumulate toxic elements (lead, cadmium, arsenic, tin), and the plants do not require chemical protection against pathogens, pests, and diseases, making the fruits completely organic and free of pesticide traces.

Chokeberry is a promising plant, attractive in horticulture, and its berries are a valuable ingredient for nutrition. The fruit is used to produce juices, syrups, teas, and liqueurs, while the extract of dried chokeberry serves as a potent antioxidant supplement. The juice from this fruit is not sweet but is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Its popularity has been growing in recent years, and many nutritionists recommend it, especially for those seeking alternative food choices. It has attracted scientists' attention due to its unusually high level of antioxidants (the highest ORAC value - Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity – a unit for measuring the antioxidant value in food).

The pigment in the berry's skin contains active ingredients, anthocyanins, which protect the body. Anthocyanins reduce the effects of oxidative stress. Some flavonoids have up to fifty times greater antioxidant activity than vitamins C and E, thus acting preventively against the onset of many diseases. Chokeberry is a treasure trove of minerals and vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, B9, predominantly vitamin P (important for blood vessel flexibility), flavonoids, iron, manganese, and more.

The rich antioxidant content in chokeberry can be useful as a dietary preventive measure to reduce the risk of diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Dried and finely ground chokeberry berries, after separating the mother juice by cold pressing, ensure a very high concentration of antioxidants.

USED AS whole or in powder form.

BUYING AND STORAGE

It is best to buy chokeberry berries from local growers. Store chokeberry powder in a dark and dry place.

USE IN CULINARY

Excellent addition to dishes, pastries, and baked goods. Chokeberry is a natural preservative, so you can use the powder when preparing jams and preserves.

To enrich your meal, you can mix the powder into your favorite cereal breakfast, yogurt, or shake, or add it to any honey.

GOOD AS a dietary supplement, for smoothies, cereals.