I’ve previously discussed aronia berries, but they deserve another highlight. These super berries are loaded with health perks and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some recipe ideas featuring aronia berries to spark your creativity!
Aronia Berries
In brief, aronia berries, also known as black chokeberry, are indigenous to North America. You can find farms from Iowa to Europe devoted to this antioxidant-rich superfood. Their scientific name is Aronia melanocarpa, distinct from red aronia.
They offer numerous health benefits. Aronia has been researched for its support of the immune system, inflammation reduction, and more. They have an astringent quality (think puckering up) and taste comparable to cranberry or blueberry.
Where to Source Aronia Berries
If you reside in a region where they grow, you can enjoy fresh aronia berries firsthand. Alternatively, consider planting aronia shrubs yourself. Stores such as Whole Foods may have frozen aronia berries, and dried versions are often available in bulk. Check local farmers’ markets and health food stores for availability.
For those unable to find them locally, here’s where to order them online:
Aronia Berry Recipes
Now that you know what aronia berries are and where to obtain them, the question remains: how to use them? Aronia works wonderfully in smoothies and baked treats. You can craft aronia berry syrup or create a jam. Use this superfruit as a topping for ice cream and cheesecake (healthy options, of course!).
Since fresh berries are more tart and astringent, eating them raw isn’t the same experience as munching on blueberries. However, they blend well in various dishes and recipes. Once dried, they adopt a much sweeter flavor.
Granola
Our household doesn’t consume many grains, so regular granola isn’t common here. Nonetheless, I’ve devised a way to make healthy, tasty granola. The base is coconut flakes sweetened with honey or maple syrup. Pecans and dried fruit can be added as desired.
To include aronia berries in granola, simply add some dried aronia berries to your recipe. Find the coconut granola recipe here.
Aronia Berry Muffins
Aronia berries, whether dried, fresh, or frozen, suit muffins and quick breads well. My children enjoy a change from daily eggs, making muffins an excellent breakfast alternative, especially when they’re grain-free and naturally sweetened.
To make aronia berry muffins, substitute them for cranberries in your muffin recipe. Use a 1:1 substitution for fresh or frozen aronia berries with cranberries. For dried berries, reduce the amount to 1/3 cup.
Aronia Berry Smoothie Recipe
You can add almost anything to a smoothie! As long as there’s enough sweetness to counterbalance the tartness of aronia berries, they make a fantastic fruit smoothie addition. Personally, I like incorporating a scoop of protein powder into my smoothies too. It makes them more filling and supports stable blood sugar.
Start with your preferred milk, then mix in some sweetener and protein powder, along with fresh fruits like raspberries. Consider adding homemade or Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency. Fresh, frozen, dried, or powdered aronia berries are all suitable.
Discover an aronia berry smoothie recipe here.
Aronia Juice
Aronia also makes a flavorful, nutrient-packed juice. While potent on its own, it complements other juices well. Pair it with orange or apple juice! You can either juice fresh berries yourself or purchase pre-made aronia berry concentrate.
Though our family doesn’t typically consume juice for breakfast, we do use it in homemade jello. Try substituting 1/4-1/2 cup of aronia juice for the juice in this gelatin recipe. You could also add some aronia juice to these chia seed squeeze pouches, replacing the lemon juice or to taste.
Aronia Berry Jam
Most jam recipes involve simmering fruit with ample sugar and thickening with pectin. However, there are traditional, naturally sweetened jam recipes available. I enjoy making a simple blackberry jam using berries, orange juice, and chia seeds for thickening. You can apply the same process with fresh aronia berries.
Here are simple instructions for how to make a traditional aronia berry jam without sugar.
Bars and Protein Balls
Seeking effortless aronia berry recipes with no cooking involved? Consider adding them to energy bars and protein balls. These chia seed energy balls are one tasty option. Alternatively, try them in these energy bars that mimic the taste of a Lara Bar.
More Recipes
Here are some additional aronia berry recipes that can also serve as natural remedies.
Aronia Berry Tea
This delightful yet straightforward tea contains a wealth of antioxidants. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and combat free radical damage!
- Bring water to a boil in a small pan.
- Add aronia berries, ginger, orange peel, and water to a small pan. Cover, bring to a boil, then turn off the heat.
- Let the herbs steep for 5 minutes while covered.
- Add green tea and steep for 3 more minutes.
- Strain and sweeten with honey.
Nutrition Facts for Aronia Berry Tea:
Servings: 1
Calories: 43
Fat: 0.01g (0% DV)
Sodium: 18mg (1% DV)
Potassium: 13mg (0% DV)
Carbohydrates: 12g (4% DV)
Fiber: 0.1g (0% DV)
Sugar: 12g (13% DV)
Protein: 0.1g (0% DV)
Vitamin C: 0.1mg (0% DV)
Calcium: 11mg (1% DV)
Iron: 0.1mg (1% DV)
For a caffeine-free version, replace green tea with rooibos.
Aronia Berry Syrup
Making aronia berry syrup with fresh or dried berries is straightforward. Its texture resembles elderberry syrup, though the health benefits differ slightly. Use it to garnish almond flour pancakes or healthy ice cream. You can also take it by the spoonful for immune support.
Aronia Berry Syrup Recipe:
- Combine water, aronia, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer with the lid partially on until the liquid reduces to 1 cup, about 40 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool until slightly warm or room temperature.
- Strain, then mix in honey and lemon juice.
- Store in a pint-sized glass mason jar in the fridge.
Nutrition Facts for Aronia Berry Syrup:
Servings: 1 Tablespoon
Calories: 65
Fat: 0.004g (0% DV)
Saturated Fat: 0.001g (0% DV)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.001g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g
Sodium: 3mg (0% DV)
Potassium: 13mg (0% DV)
Carbohydrates: 18g (6% DV)
Fiber: 0.1g (0% DV)
Sugar: 17g (19% DV)
Protein: 0.1g (0% DV)
Vitamin A: 0.04IU (0% DV)
Vitamin C: 0.4mg (0% DV)
Calcium: 2mg (0% DV)
Iron: 0.1mg (1% DV)
Storage and Shelf Life: Lasts about 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Any extra can be frozen.
Have you used aronia berries before? What are your favorite ways to incorporate them? Share your experiences below!
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