(Located W3, E 11 planted 2010) (Aronia melanocarpa) Aronia berries, native to the eastern United States, are actually pome fruits (like apples), and are perhaps higher in antioxidants than any berry, higher than blueberries, wolfberries and cranberries. The deep purple color of the berries contains antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
The berries hang on the bush well, allowing for an extended time for harvest in the early fall. The sour, astringent berries can be eaten right from the bush, but they are more often processed as a delicious jelly or the juice mixed with other juices.
Aronia may be spaced 4-8 feet apart if they are planted in a row with the closer spacing for a hedge effect, but a single plant may be used since they are self fertile. The canes become less productive as they age, so remove stems greater than one inch in diameter in late winter beginning when they are 5 years old to encourage new growth and greater productivity.
Viking and Raintree Select are varieties of aronia found in the Fruit Garden. The varieties are all very productive and very similar to each other.
Aronia Berries – What’s Their Potential?
