Aronia berries are tart and dry, which makes them less of a snack-by-the-handful berry and more of a kitchen ingredient. The good news: once you know a few tricks, they are easy to use every day. Here is how to use each form, plus four simple recipes.
1. Aronia juice
The quickest way to enjoy aronia. Organic aronia juice is bold and dry, a bit like unsweetened cranberry juice.
- Drink a small glass (50 to 100 ml) straight after a meal.
- Make a spritzer with sparkling water, lemon and ice.
- Add a splash to smoothies or mix it into iced tea.
- Simmer it down into a syrup for pancakes and yogourt.
2. Dried aronia berries
Dried aronia berries are chewy and tart, with no added sugar. Use them wherever you would use raisins or dried cranberries.
- Stir into oatmeal, muesli or granola.
- Mix into trail mix with nuts and dark chocolate.
- Bake into muffins, bread or cookies.
- Soak in juice or water for a few hours for a softer texture.
3. Aronia powder
Aronia powder is made from the skins, seeds and pulp left after pressing. It does not dissolve in water, so blend or stir it into food.
- Add a tablespoon to smoothies.
- Stir into yogourt, overnight oats or porridge.
- Replace a little flour in pancakes or muffins for a deep purple colour.
A typical serving is 50 to 100 ml of juice, one tablespoon of powder or two tablespoons of dried berries. Start small if you are new to tart berries.
Recipe: aronia energy balls (no bake, 10 minutes)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rolled oats | 1 cup |
| Aronia powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried aronia berries | 3 tablespoons |
| Peanut butter or almond butter | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 3 tablespoons |
| Dark chocolate chips | 2 tablespoons |
| Chia seeds | 1 tablespoon |
Mix everything in a bowl, roll into balls about the size of a golf ball and chill for 30 minutes. Makes about 12. Keeps in the fridge for up to a week.
Recipe: aronia berry oatmeal
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup water or milk of your choice
- 1/4 cup dried aronia berries
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Honey or maple syrup and fresh fruit to serve
Bring the oats and water or milk to a boil, then simmer for about five minutes, stirring now and then. Stir in the aronia berries and cinnamon and cook for another one to two minutes. The berries soften and turn the oatmeal a deep purple. Top with banana or berries and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Recipe: homemade aronia jam
- 2 cups fresh or frozen aronia berries (or rehydrated dried berries)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
Bring everything to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring often. Lower the heat and cook for about 20 minutes until thick. Pour into clean, sterilized jars, let cool and keep in the fridge for up to two weeks. Great on toast, yogourt or pancakes. For a milder jam, replace half the aronia with chopped apple or pear.
Recipe: tangy aronia salad dressing
- 50 ml aronia juice or 1/4 cup fresh or frozen berries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Blend until smooth, season to taste and serve over mixed greens, roasted vegetables or grilled chicken or tofu.
Want to know more about the berry itself? Read our complete guide to aronia berries, or try our aronia smoothie recipes.
