What is aronia? The aronia berry at a glance
Small, deep violet and pleasantly tart: The aronia berry is one of Europe's most distinctive berries. Here you can find out how it tastes, where it comes from, and what you can make with it.

What do aronia berries actually taste like?
Aronia berries taste fine-tart and sour, whether fresh, dried, or as juice. Their intense, deep violet color is striking: even when diluted with water to make a spritzer, aronia juice remains deep red. This is due to natural plant pigments from the polyphenol group.
Fancy some aronia?
Not-from-concentrate juices, dried berries, fruit spreads and more from controlled organic cultivation.
Origin and history of the aronia berry
Wild aronia bushes thrive on the current border between Canada and the USA. Even the indigenous peoples valued the dark berries, among other things as winter provisions.
The Russian botanist Ivan V. Michurin (1855–1935) breeds large-fruited varieties, robust enough for harsh, cold regions. The first cultivation areas emerge in the Soviet Union.
The dark berries are initially used as a natural plant dye for the food industry.
Cultivation areas and interest in the tart-sour fruit initially decline.
Also thanks to Aronia ORIGINAL: As juice, dried fruit, powder, jam and more, the berry regains importance.
Larger areas in Germany, Poland, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. And demand continues to rise.

The Russian botanist and plant breeder cultivated aronia in Eastern Europe.
From North America to Europe and Siberia, it thrives in lowlands and mountains. The sunnier the location, the sweeter the berries.
Hardy, undemanding, and resistant to diseases. Winter-hardy down to −35 °C, but it dislikes waterlogging.
In May, it bears white flowers. Its relation to the apple is unmistakable. From August, the berries ripen in corymbs. Birds and deer also enjoy them.
One berry, many names
Because it looks very similar to the rowan, it is sometimes called "black rowan". More accurately, it is "black chokeberry": Like the apple, aronia belongs to the rose family. When cut open, it even reveals a small core, much like a mini-apple.
What can you do with aronia?
Fresh berries are cooked into jam or juice or dried. During harvest season from August to September, they are a treat fresh in muesli, yogurt, or cake. And year-round: Whether pure, in smoothies, baking, or cooking, aronia berries bring more than just color to the plate.





