aronia the superfood that protects your heart

Aronia, the wild berry with multiple benefits

This black or red aronia berry has secrets to tell you. American Indians have long enjoyed its benefits. At the beginning of the 20th century, a Russian botanist discovered all the resources that could be exploited in the regions of Russia where this hardy wild plant can grow in temperatures as low as -35°C.

Aronia is one of the plants richest in vitamin C and antioxidants. It can be consumed in teas, infusions, fruit juices and elixirs.

Aronia melanocarpa shrub

This berry comes in the form of a small shrub that produces small, delicate red or black berries that look like blueberries.

Aronia

Aronia berries When can they be eaten?

They can be eaten from July to December

This berry bush was the first to be noticed and awarded prizes in English horticultural competitions for its ornamental qualities.
levon aronian

In spring, the bushes are covered with beautiful white blossoms reminiscent of apple blossoms. Hence its German name: Apfelbeere.

Birds also enjoy this delicious little berry, and at the same time help to propagate it.

Aronia cultivation: technical data

•     Botanical name: Aronia melanocarpa or aronia arbustifolia
•     Family: Rosaceae
•     Type: Fruiting shrub
•     Height: 1.5 to 3 m
•     Exposure: Sun
•     Soil: Ordinary, not too calcareous, not too dry, requiring regular watering in case of water stress.
•     Foliage: Deciduous
•     Flowering: April
•     Harvest: August

Unlike other rosaceae, this plant is little affected by insect pests and diseases. Fire blight, a danger to rosaceae, does not affect this plant.

Benefits of wild chokeberry

Aronia properties

•     The aronia is one of the plants that contains the most antioxidants, which protect our cells and our DNA from the attack of free radicals generated by our organism.
•     It is very rich in vitamin C, which strengthens our immune system.
•     It contains many flavonoid antioxidants that protect our eyes by helping to filter out ultraviolet rays.
•     The aronia berry is low in calories and therefore contributes to our weight health. It is a valuable tool for weight loss, especially in the stomach area.
•     Thanks to its powerful antioxidants, it is a good cardiovascular protector, helping us to fight arthritis and cancers.
•     It regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
•     It treats intestinal, stomach and liver disorders.
•     It strengthens our immune system in autumn and winter and thus helps to protect us from the weaknesses of the cold seasons.

Aronia contraindications:

No contraindications have been reported

Aronia how to use it

For tangible results, it is best to take 12 to 15 dried berries a day or one teaspoon of aronia elixir.


Research has shown that giving people with diabetes 200 mL of aronia berry juice to drink a day for 12 weeks reduced blood sugar levels.


Of course, if you plan to consume these aronia berries in higher or lower doses, it is essential that you consult a doctor for proper monitoring.


It is also possible to consume the dried berries with breakfast cereals or muesli, in dairy products or cakes, instead of or with other berries.

Aronia plant: how to plant?

If you have purchased bare-root aronia bushes, they should be planted in autumn, taking care to mix varieties to maximise fertilisation. If you do this in autumn, you can expect your first harvest 12 months later.

Pruning and care of aronia

Cut back old branches by 1/3 before spring arrives, lighten the centre and keep the bush in a cup shape.
Finally, remove dead branches.

Aronia How to harvest?

The fruit must be black to be harvested.