The aronia berry, often referred to as the "chokeberry," is said to have a variety of health benefits. The sweet-sour to tart-tasting berries contain many healthy ingredients and find e.g. used as a remedy in the form of juices. But this little delicacy can also be used in many ways in the kitchen.

Origin and classification of the chokeberry

The aronia berry originally comes from North America, where it was already cultivated by the local indigenous population. The berry was u. a. dried as a vitamin-rich source of energy for the winter. In the 1950s, the shrub came to the Soviet Union, where it was refined and bred in various ways. In this way, high-yielding and cold-resistant varieties were created, which are now also cultivated in Germany. In recent years, more and more lovers have been found privately as well. It is a branching, deciduous shrub that can grow between one and two meters in height. The black or red fruits are about the size of a blueberry, but have the shape of a small apple. The aronia berry also has a core. The chokeberry belongs to the rose family and within it to the pome fruit family.

Easy cultivation also in Germany

The Aronia shrub is quite undemanding and can be cultivated excellently even under the climatic conditions that are common in Germany. The plant is robust and hardy, withstanding temperatures down to -30 °C very well. It is a perennial, very productive shrub. A shrub can bear fruit for about 20 years. It grows almost everywhere, but the soil should not be too sandy or loamy. In addition, several shrubs - planted together - are ideal for forming an opaque hedge. The fruits can be harvested in abundance in the months of August to September and e.g. B. be processed into compote, jam or juice.

Benefits of the healthy aronia berry

Due to the high proportion of healthy ingredients, the aronia berry is considered a remedy in many places. The berry contains many antioxidants, which are also used in cancer therapy. The consumption of the berries is said to help regulate blood pressure, promote blood circulation, protect the heart and strengthen the immune system.

Variety of healthy ingredients

  • Aronia berries contain a lot of iron
  • they are also rich in flavonoids,
  • folic acid
  • vitamin k
  • and vitamin C

Furthermore, the strongly coloring berries can be used as a natural colorant, e.g. B. of clothing, are used.

tips and tricks

You can use aronia juice like elderberry juice, especially in winter, and thus strengthen your immune system: heat the juice slowly and carefully - do not boil! - and add honey to taste.

Category:

Vegetable garden