Organic Chokeberries

All natural organic dried chokeberries (also known as aronia berries) are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. These small berries, about the size of dried blueberries, have a flavorful, tart taste. Use dried organic chokeberries in baked goods, beverages, and snacks.

Health Benefits of Dried Chokeberries

Although many enjoy dried chokeberries for their tart flavor, the fruit is also nutritionally beneficial. Chokeberries have an antioxidant content three times as potent as that of blueberries, and contain a high concentration of anthocyanins, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties and are thought to slow cancer growth. Many diabetics use chokeberries to regulate blood sugar, and studies show they may be helpful in lowering weight and cholesterol. Organic dried chokeberries also contain many vitamins, including vitamins C, A, & E, beta-carotene, and folate.

A 2010 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that pre-diabetic rats whose diets were supplemented with chokeberry juice for six weeks experienced less weight gain, lower levels of body fat, and lower blood glucose, plasma triglycerides, and cholesterol levels than the non-supplemented animals. Although further studies are needed to observe the same benefits in humans, this research has positive implications for the effect of aronia berry consumption on lowering the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Uses

The aronia berry has a tart flavor that works well with sweet foods. Our organic dried chokeberries can be used in juices, wines, teas, and other beverages. They can be added to fruit salads and baked with pies, cakes, muffins. Some also use organic dried chokeberries to make yogurt, ice cream, or chokeberry jelly.

Origins of the Chokeberry

The chokeberry bush is closely related to the rosebush, and is often used as an ornamental shrub in gardens. It grows in two varieties, the red chokeberry and the black chokeberry (our organic dried chokeberries are black) and was a traditional food of some Native American tribes. Chokeberries are known as such because they can be so bitter that they are difficult to eat raw.