UPICK Aronia berries and Aronia cider!

When customers visit the UPICK or cidery, many people ask, "What's an Aronia berry?" I thought I'd copy and share some basic info on them below. We are starting our Aronia berry UPICK the weekend of Aug 15 & 16 and will go for several weeks. Picking will be Sat and Sun from 10 am - 2 pm. Please note that it's a 1/4-mile walk to the patch. Email info@raisingcaneranch.com to let us know you're interested. After you've worked hard picking, come to the cidery to enjoy the berries reinvented in our cider! It's a refreshing, earthy cherry elixir we call Super Cider!

What Are Aronia Berries?

Aronia berries come from the Aronia shrub, part of the rose family. There are three main types:

• Black Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) – the most common and widely studied variety.

• Red Aronia (Aronia arbutifolia) – slightly milder in taste.

• Purple Aronia (Aronia prunifolia – a hybrid of the two) – less common but also packed with nutrients.

The term chokeberry might sound off-putting, but it refers to the tart, drying effect the berries have on your mouth—think of it as nature’s way of saying “full of tannins and antioxidants.”

Nutritional Highlights

Aronia berries are a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s what you’ll find in just a small handful:

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin K

• Manganese

• Fiber

• Polyphenols (especially anthocyanins and flavonoids)

But what really sets them apart is their antioxidant capacity. Studies show Aronia berries may have one of the highest ORAC scores (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) among berries—meaning they’re extremely effective at neutralizing free radicals.

Health Benefits of Aronia Berries

1. Powerful Antioxidant Protection

Thanks to high levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols, Aronia berries help fight oxidative stress, a major contributor to aging and chronic diseases.

2. Heart Health

Research suggests Aronia may help reduce blood pressure, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and improve overall cardiovascular health. This is likely due to their anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects.

3. Immune System Boost

With their high vitamin C content and antioxidant compounds, Aronia berries may help support immune function and protect against infections.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation is linked to a range of illnesses, from arthritis to cancer. The polyphenols in Aronia have shown anti-inflammatory properties in several studies.

5. Blood Sugar Control

Some early research indicates Aronia extract may help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar—good news for people managing type 2 diabetes.

How to Use Aronia Berries

Aronia berries can be intense when eaten fresh—tart, dry, and a bit mouth-puckering. That’s why they’re often consumed in other forms:

• Juices

• Dried berries

• Jams and preserves

• Smoothies

• Powdered supplements

• Tea infusions

When adding them to your diet, start small and experiment. Their bold flavor can be a unique addition to your morning smoothie or oatmeal. To gain the full effect of their benefits, it’s recommended to consume them raw.

The above was copied from Honey's Harvest Farm blog by Karis Dehaven on Sept 11 at https://honeysharvest.com/blog/the-power-of-aronia-berries-natures-antioxidant-superfruit