Chokeberry juice, also sold as aronia juice, is pressed from the small, dark berries of Aronia melanocarpa. It is deep purple, almost black, and has a bold, dry taste that surprises most people the first time. It is still little known in Canada, but it has been a kitchen staple in parts of Eastern Europe for generations.
What is chokeberry juice?
Chokeberry juice is the pressed juice of aronia berries. "Chokeberry" and "aronia" are two names for the same fruit. It is not the same as chokecherry juice, which comes from a different plant (Prunus virginiana).
Good chokeberry juice is simply the juice of the berry: no added sugar, no water added back, no other fruit juices mixed in. Our organic aronia juice is first-pressed and not made from concentrate.
What does it taste like?
Expect something closer to a dry red wine or unsweetened cranberry juice than to a sweet fruit juice. The taste is tart and full-bodied, with a noticeable astringency that dries the mouth. That comes from natural tannins in the berry skin. Many people start by diluting it and soon come to enjoy it straight.
How it is made
- The berries are harvested in late summer when they are fully ripe and dark.
- They are cleaned, crushed and pressed once.
- The juice is gently pasteurized and filled. Nothing is added.
Juice "from concentrate" is made differently: the water is evaporated for cheaper transport and added back later. That process changes the flavour, which is why we only sell first-pressed juice.
What stays behind after pressing, the skins, seeds and pulp, is called pomace. We dry and grind it into aronia powder, so nothing from the harvest goes to waste.
How to enjoy chokeberry juice
- Straight: a small glass of 50 to 100 ml after a meal.
- Spritzer: one part juice, two parts sparkling water, a squeeze of lemon and ice.
- Smoothie: a splash with banana, frozen berries and yogourt.
- Warm drink: two tablespoons in warm (not boiling) water with honey and a cinnamon stick.
- In the kitchen: reduce it slowly into a syrup for pancakes or yogourt, or use it in salad dressings and marinades.
More ideas: easy ways to add aronia berries to your diet.
What to look for when buying
- 100% aronia: check the ingredient list; some products are mostly apple or grape juice.
- Not from concentrate: first-pressed juice keeps the full flavour.
- No added sugar: the tartness is part of the character.
- Organic: look for organic certification on the label.
- Packaging that suits you: a 3-litre Bag-in-Box stays fresh for up to three months after opening without refrigeration; a 700 ml glass bottle is a good way to try it first.
Frequently asked questions
Is chokeberry juice the same as aronia juice?
Yes. Chokeberry is the common English name for aronia.
Why is it so dry?
Aronia berries are naturally rich in tannins, which cause the dry, puckering feeling, much like strong tea.
Does it need to be refrigerated?
Glass bottles belong in the fridge after opening and should be used within about 10 days. Our Bag-in-Box keeps for up to three months after opening at room temperature because no air gets into the bag.
Where can I buy it in Canada?
We ship organic aronia juice across Canada, in 700 ml glass bottles and 3-litre Bag-in-Box. See also all aronia products.
