Aronia berry is a little-known native fruit that deserves a spot on your Thanksgiving table. Often called black chokeberry, this humble shrub produces glossy black fruits packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and flavor. While it may grow unnoticed along hedgerows in the Midwest, its health benefits and culinary versatility make it a perfect addition to your holiday dishes, from sauces to baked goods.
What Is the Aronia Berry?
The aronia berry is a “trash tree” in the Midwest. It grows in hedgerows and goes virtually unnoticed. It’s often called black chokeberry. They’re often used by landscapers as ornamentals. In the spring, you’ll see them decorated with beautiful white flowers, which are then followed by dark, black berries. Finally, the shrub puts on a fall display of deep rust-colored leaves that is not to be missed.
Health Benefits
Aronia berry has three to four times the antioxidant content of blueberry, goji or pomegranate. It’s currently being studied for its beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system (blood pressure, cholesterol levels, heart attack prevention and recovery), the digestive system, the urinary tract (even better for UTIs than cranberry) and even cancer. Specifically, it is being tested against breast and colon cancer. In laboratory environments, it’s been shown to kill colon cancer cells with no damage to surrounding tissue. Very exciting stuff!
Aronia berry, aka chokeberry, is high in pectin. The first settlers added it to other fruits for a natural set for jams and jellies. It’s not likely that the chokeberry was at the first Thanksgiving, but that shouldn’t stop you from using it if it’s native to your area.
Growing and Harvesting Aronia Berry
Aronia grows very well in Midwestern soils. It’s a medium-sized shrub that tends to spread in clusters. The fruit is ready to pick in the fall, and it’s a real battle to get it before the birds do, so you might consider covering it with netting. It likes full sun and will perform very well year after year with very little input from you, the grower.
Using Aronia Berry in Thanksgiving Recipes
Aronia berries are versatile and can add a unique, tangy flavor to your Thanksgiving table. Here are some ideas to inspire your holiday menu:
Aronia Cranberry Sauce: Combine aronia berries with traditional cranberries for a naturally sweet and tart sauce. Add a touch of orange zest or cinnamon for extra warmth.
Holiday Baked Goods: Use aronia berries in pies, tarts, muffins, or quick breads. Their high pectin content helps jams and preserves set naturally.
Stuffing or Grain Salads: Toss dried aronia berries into cornbread stuffing, wild rice, or quinoa salads for color, texture, and a subtle tartness.
Festive Drinks: Make a warm aronia punch, add aronia juice to sparkling water, or create a spiced cocktail for a seasonal beverage.
Garnishes: Fresh or dried aronia berries can decorate desserts, cheese boards, or roasted vegetables, adding both color and a nutrient boost.
Aronia berries are at their peak in the fall, perfectly timed for Thanksgiving preparations. If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen aronia or aronia juice works beautifully in most recipes, making it easy to include this native superfood on your holiday table.
Including aronia berries on your Thanksgiving table is a simple way to celebrate a native, nutrient-packed fruit. Whether you use them fresh, frozen, or as juice, their unique flavor enhances sauces, baked goods, and drinks alike. Next year, consider planting your own aronia berry shrub and enjoy the satisfaction of serving a local superfood that’s good for both your family and the environment.
This article about the aronia berry was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
