Why is aronia often called a 'super fruit”?

The dark purple-black aronia berry has 3.5 times the antioxidants of blueberries. And antioxidants are just the tip of aronia's nutritional and medicinal iceberg. Scientific studies show that aronia berries have some of the highest levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols in the plant world. These substances are powerful antioxidants, and the latest research indicates that aronia has one of the highest ORAC (antioxidant capacity) value of any fresh fruit.

Scientists have also identified a host of other compounds that give aronia anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic qualities. Aronia berries are thought to fight the formation of arterial plaque, lower serum cholesterol, lower blood sugar, and improve your body’s natural production of insulin.

What does aronia taste like?

Fresh-picked aronia berries have a strong, tannic taste, but when combined with other ingredients in muffins, oatmeal, cookies, or smoothies, or when made into jam, jelly, or sauces, they have a delicious wild grape flavor that many people find quite addictive.

Well-known and well-used by indigenous peoples, aronia is largely unknown and unused in America today, but well-loved in Eastern Europe. On my research trip to Poland, I found aronia in every grocery store, large and small, in a variety of products from juices to jams and jellies to vodka!

Can you share some aronia recipes?

Yes, of course! Click to download my Sunny Lane Farm Aronia Recipe booklet.

Why did you plant aronia bushes?

Because aronia is native to North America, it's resistant to pests and so is suited for organic cultural practices. It takes three years for aronia to begin bearing, and when mature it is fantastically productive, yielding 20 to 30 pounds of berries per bush. It's also very beautiful, with masses of white blossoms in the spring, and then the leaves turn red in the fall. In between, the aronia berries ripen, and because they are so nutritious, we sometimes have to fight the birds for them. Any berries that we don’t harvest provide an excellent source of food for over-wintering birds, as well as deer and other wildlife.

Can you ship me your aronia berries or juice?

No, I’m sorry. Because aronia juice and both the fresh and frozen aronia berries are seasonal items, they must be picked up at Sunny Lane Farm in Eureka. Email me for availability and pricing.