What Is Aronia Berry? | The Edible Chokeberry

The aronia berry, also called chokeberry, is the tart fruit of the Aronia shrub, a North American native in the rose family.

If you’ve spotted dark purple berries labeled “aronia” or “chokeberry” at a market and wondered what they are, here’s the short version: they’re the fruit of a deciduous shrub that’s been growing wild in eastern North America for centuries. While the fresh berries are almost too bitter and astringent to enjoy raw, they’re increasingly popular as juice, dried snacks, and supplements. Here’s what makes them worth knowing about.

What Kind Of Plant Does Aronia Come From?

The aronia berry grows on a deciduous shrub in the rose family, native to eastern North America. The best-known edible species is Aronia melanocarpa, commonly called black chokeberry. The plant is also widely cultivated in Europe.

The shrub is grown both as a food crop and as an ornamental in the United States. The University of Wisconsin–Madison notes that it produces showy white spring flowers and reddish fall foliage, making it a landscaping favorite. Ohio State Extension reports that U.S. farmers grew aronia on 924 farms covering 2,170 acres in the 2017 USDA agricultural census.

What Does Aronia Berry Taste Like And How Do People Eat It?

The honest answer is that most people don’t eat fresh aronia berries out of hand. The fruit is notably tart and astringent, with a mouth-drying effect that earned it the nickname “chokeberry.” That sharpness fades when the berries are processed.

You’ll most often encounter aronia in these forms:

• Juice, often blended with sweeter fruits
• Dried berries for snacking or baking
• Jam, jelly, and fruit sauces
• Tea and infused beverages
• Supplements, which concentrate the berry’s compounds

If you’re considering a supplement instead of working with the raw fruit, our roundup of top-rated aronia berry supplements compares the leading options by quality and value.

What Nutrients Are In Aronia Berries?

Aronia berries are low in calories but dense in fiber and micronutrients. They contain vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K, folate, iron, and vitamins A and E. Their deep, dark color comes from a high concentration of anthocyanins — the same compounds that give blueberries their pigment.

The berry is also rich in proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and phenolic acids, making it one of the more antioxidant-dense fruits you can find. A quarter-cup of dried aronia berries provides roughly 45 calories, 10 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fat, and about 3 grams of sugar.

Are There Any Safety Concerns With Aronia Berries?

The fruit itself is generally regarded as safe to eat. The main downside for most people is taste — the raw berries can be sharply astringent and unpleasant. Processing and heating help reduce the bitter compounds.

A few caveats are worth knowing. The seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that can release hydrogen cyanide when crushed and consumed in large amounts; cooking or processing greatly reduces this concern. Caution is also advised for people taking blood pressure or blood sugar medications, since aronia may enhance their effects. Those with a history of oxalate kidney stones should talk to a doctor first, and guidance on use during pregnancy is limited.

As with any supplement, check with a healthcare provider if you take prescription medication or have an underlying condition.