Question 1

What are Aronia Berries?

Accepted Answer

Aronia berries grow in North America in small bunches, much like blackcurrants, blueberries, and cranberries, but have earned the nicknames “apple berries” and “choke berries” because they look more like stone fruit inside. There are two forms of chokeberry plants (Aronia melanocarpa); red and blue, though the blue is most common, and has the same blue-black shade of a blackberry. The fruits are about the same size as a blueberry, have a similar sharp taste to blackcurrants, and only contain 13 calories per 28g (fresh).

Traditionally, Native Americans used choke berries as a cold remedy, and likely found them an effective cure due to the berries’ richness in antioxidants, and current studies are showing that they have wide-spread health benefits.

Traditionally, Native Americans used choke berries as a cold remedy, and likely found them an effective cure due to the berries’ richness in antioxidants, and current studies are showing that they have wide-spread health benefits.

Question 2

How much Aronia should I take in daily?

Accepted Answer

Based on experience, we recommend taking 100 ml of organic Aronia juice, 1-2 tablespoons of dried organic Aronia berries or 2 tablespoons of organic Aronia powder daily. Find the ideal amount for you, because every person is different and tolerates Aronia products differently.

Question 3

Are Aronia ORIGINAL products vegan?

Accepted Answer

All Aronia ORIGINAL products, which also carry the Vegan Flower of the Vegan Society on the label, are vegan. No animal substances have been used in the list of ingredients, the production process or in the packaging material.

Question 4

When, how and where do I plant the Aronia?

Accepted Answer

Which location should I choose for Aronia plants?
A sunny, bright planting location is ideal. Light and summer warmth support the budding of new branches and the formation of fructose in the Aronia berries. Partial shade is also possible, but the growth may be somewhat less in this area. The Aronia can cope well with the weather side. Too close to walls and planting under trees should be avoided. Over the years, Aronia shrubs form strong roots with strong side shoots. A root depth of up to 2.00 m can also be achieved.

The ideal soil conditions for Aronia plants
In principle, Aronia plants can adapt to different soil conditions. Mixed soils of sand & loam are ideal. A constant soil moisture content can also be beneficial. Unfavourable are too dry or very calcareous soil conditions. Pure loam or sandy soils impede (inhibit) the growth of the plant.

When is the optimal planting time?
Aronia plants can be planted in spring - preferably before flowering in May - or in autumn. It is important that the soil is frost-free. September to early December is ideal. During the winter months the Aronia plant can get used to the new location and sprout vigorously in spring.

Question 5

Do fresh Aronia berries actually contain prussic acid?

Accepted Answer

Some of our customers express concern that fresh Aronia berries contain a considerable amount of bound prussic acid (cyanide). This is released when fresh Aronia berries are eaten, which is why the dark fruits are not suitable for immediate consumption. Are Aronia berries poisonous?

Here is an all-clear: cyanide is only contained in the small seeds of the Aronia berry. In order to release them, a large number of them would have to be finely ground in the mouth. The prussic acid is broken down by heat treatment, e.g. in the production of juice or jam. According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), the daily limit is 75 micrograms of prussic acid per kilogram of body weight (ARfD). This means that an adult with a body weight of 70 kg can absorb up to 5.25 mg cyanide per day without any undesirable effects on health.

The kernels of 100 g of fresh Aronia berries contain about 0.6 to 1.2 mg bound prussic acid. An adult weighing 70 kg could therefore consume between 438 g and 875 g of fresh chokeberries per day (and chew the small seeds finely) without the prussic acid content being a cause for concern.

For comparison: The cyanide content of sweet apricot kernels, which are offered as a snack in many places, is on average 2.4 mg per 100 g (source: Max Rubner Institute)

So I can eat fresh berries?
Of course. Fresh Aronia berries can be eaten by young and old directly from the bush. Freshly nibbled in small quantities, mixed in a smoothie, made into homemade jam or as an ingredient for sweet cakes and desserts or savoury sauces and chutneys - fresh Aronia berries can be used in the kitchen in a versatile and creative way. The high proportion of dark plant dyes conjures up a bright violet in the food. Fresh Aronia berries have a sourish- tart taste and therefore harmonise both sweet and savoury preparations.