I have talked about that aronia berry before, but it deserves another mention. These super berries are packed with health benefits and can be used in many different ways. Here are some aronia berry recipes to inspire you!
Aronia berries
To give a brief overview, aronia berries (aka black chokeberry) are native to North America. You'll find farms from Iowa to Europe dedicated to this antioxidant-rich superfood. The taxonomic name is Aronia melanocarpawhich is different from red chokeberry.
It is a health food with a wide variety of benefits. Aronia has been studied for immune system support, inflammation and much more. They're astringent (think squint-worthy) and taste similar to cranberries or blueberries.
Where to get aronia berries
If you live in an area where they grow, you can have your own fresh aronia berries. Or you can plant aronia bushes and grow your own. Some stores, like Whole Foods, carry frozen aronia berries. You can also find dried aronia berries in bulk. Check with your local farmers market and health food stores to see what you can find.
If you can't get them locally, here's where to get them online:
Aronia Berry Recipes
Now you know what aronia berries are and where to find them, how to use them? Aronia works well in smoothies and baked goods. You can also make aronia berry syrup or a jam recipe. Use this superfruit as a topping for ice cream and cheesecake (healthy of course!).
Because fresh berries are more tart and astringent, it's not the same as putting a handful of blueberries in your mouth. However, they are great mixed into things and in recipes. Once dried, they take on a much sweeter flavor.
Granola
Our family doesn't eat a lot of grains and you won't find regular granola in our house. That said, I still found a way to make healthy and delicious granola. The main ingredient is coconut flakes with honey or maple syrup as a sweetener. I'll add different nuts, like pecans, and dried fruit as the mood strikes.
To make aronia berry granola, simply add some dried aronia berries to the recipe. Get the recipe from coconut granola here.
Aronia Berry Muffins
Dried, fresh, or frozen aronia berries work well in muffins and quick breads. My kids get tired of eggs every day for breakfast, so we like to switch it up sometimes. Muffins are a great option when they are grain-free and naturally sweetened!
To make aronia berry muffins, try replacing them with cranberries. this muffin recipe. For fresh or frozen aronia berries, use them as a 1:1 substitute for cranberries. For dried berries, reduce the amount to 1/3 cup.
Aronia Berry Smoothie Recipe
What can't you add to a smoothie? As long as there's enough sweetness to balance out the tart aronia berries, they make a great addition to a fruit smoothie. I also like to add a scoop of protein powder to my smoothies. It's more filling and helps balance blood sugar levels.
Start with the milk of your choice and add a little sweetener, protein powderand fresh fruit (like raspberries). You can also add homemade yogurt or Greek yogurt for a thicker smoothie. Fresh, frozen, dried, or powdered aronia berries all work.
Get an aronia berry smoothie recipe here.
Aronia juice
Aronia also makes a delicious, nutrient-rich juice. It is strong on its own but mixes well with other juices. Try it with orange juice or apple juice! You can either juice fresh berries or buy ready-made aronia berry concentrate.
Our family not only drinks juice for breakfast, but we also use it in homemade jelly. Try replacing the juice in this with 1/4-1/2 cup of aronia juice. gelatin recipe. You can also add a little aronia juice to it. chia seed squeeze bags. Sub aronia juice for lemon juice in the recipe or to taste.
Aronia berry jam
Most jam recipes call for simmering fruit with lots of sugar and thickening it with pectin. However, there are traditional jam recipes that are naturally sweet. I like to make a simple Ripe Fruit Jam with berries, orange juice and thickened with chia seeds. You can do the same thing with fresh aronia berries.
Here are the instructions for making a traditional dish. chokeberry jam Sugar free.
Protein bars and balls
Looking for easy aronia berry recipes that don't require cooking? You can also add them to energy bars and protein balls. These chia seeds energy balls are a great option. Or try them in these Energy bars which taste like a Lara Bar.
Even more recipes
Here are some other aronia berry recipes that also serve as natural remedies.
Aronia berry tea
This delicious yet simple tea is packed with antioxidants. It is also anti-inflammatory and helps fight free radical damage!
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Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
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Add the aronia berries, ginger, orange zest and water to a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil with the lid on, then turn off the heat.
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Let the herbs steep for 5 minutes with the lid on.
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Add the green tea and let steep for another 3 minutes.
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Filter and sweeten with honey.
Nutritional intake
Aronia berry tea
Amount per serving (1 serving)
Calories 43
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.01g0%
Sodium 18mg1%
Potassium 13mg0%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 12g13%
Protein 0.1g0%
Vitamin C 0.1 mg0%
Calcium 11mg1%
Iron 0.1 mg1%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
For a caffeine-free version, use rooibos instead of green tea.
Aronia berry syrup
You can easily make your own aronia berry syrup with fresh or dried berries. The consistency is similar to elderberry syrup, but the health benefits are a little different. You can use it at the top almond flour pancakes and good for health ice. Or take it by the spoonful for immune support.
Aronia berry syrup
This delicious syrup is packed with flavor and nutrients.
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Combine the water, aronia and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer with the lid partially closed until the liquid is reduced to 1 cup, about 40 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let cool until slightly warm or room temperature.
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Filter then add the honey and lemon juice.
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Store in a pint-sized glass mason jar in the refrigerator.
Nutritional intake
Aronia berry syrup
Amount per serving (1 tablespoon)
Calories 65
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.004g0%
Saturated fat 0.001g0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.001g
Monounsaturated fat 0.001g
Sodium 3mg0%
Potassium 13mg0%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 17g19%
Protein 0.1g0%
Vitamin A 0.04 IU0%
Vitamin C 0.4 mg0%
Calcium 2mg0%
Iron 0.1 mg1%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Storage and shelf life: This lasts about 2 weeks in the refrigerator. You can also freeze any excess.
Have you ever used aronia berries before? What are your favorite ways to use them? Share below!
