Chokeberry

Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry)

Aronia arbutifolia (red chokeberry)

Overview: Also called aronia berries, chokeberries - both red and black - are shrubs that grow 3-6’ tall and bloom in late spring with leaves turning a stunning red in the fall. The bark is reddish-brown in a winter garden.

Harvesting: The red chokeberry has small bright, red pear-shaped berries that appear in the fall and may last through winter. The black chokeberries are similar but black in color.

Taste and Flavor: The fruit is edible though tart and bitter.

Culinary Uses: Red chokeberries can be eaten raw and is easier to eat than the black chokeberry. They have a lot of natural pectin and can be used in canning, or making jams and jellies. Black chokeberries are very tart and bitter but are a great source of antioxidants. They can be used in jams, juices, and wines because their tart, astringent flavor is best when cooked. Aronia berries can also be baked into muffins, pies, and tarts, dried for a snack, made into fruit leather or used as a natural food coloring.

Nutrition: Chokeberries are considered a superfood because of their high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These berries are rich in polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, which contribute to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The berries may support heart health, aid in blood sugar management, boost the immune system, and promote healthy digestion.

Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates various soil types (including clay and alkaline soils) as long as they are well-drained. It prefers moist conditions but can tolerate some drought.

Cultivation: Black and red chokeberries have similar cultivation needs, preferring moist, well-drained soil and full sun for best growth, though both tolerate partial shade. Key differences are that black chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa) are preferred for fruit production due to higher antioxidant content and better fruit flavor after processing, while red chokeberries (Aronia arbutifolia) are often chosen for their ornamental value because birds leave the persistent red berries on the bush through winter. Black chokeberry is more tolerant of drought.

Other uses: Chokeberries are used for their medicinal properties, including immune support, cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory effects. Indigenous nations use aronia berries and leaves to make teas and to treat colds.

Interesting Facts: Its common name "chokeberry" comes from the very astringent taste of the raw fruit, which is due to high levels of tannins. Even though they may be taste bitter or tart, leaving the mouth dry, they become more palatable when cooked or combined with other ingredients.

Allergies and Precautions: Though uncommon, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to aronia berries (also known as chokeberries). A specific case has even documented anaphylaxis following the ingestion of aronia juice. If you have a known allergy to other plants in the rose family (Rosaceae), including apples, pears, or plums, you may have an increased risk due to cross-reactivity. Digestive side effects are also common, especially when consumed in high doses.