I’ve mentioned aronia berries before, but they really deserve another shout-out. These super berries are loaded with health benefits and can be used in all kinds of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started with aronia berry recipes!
To get you up to speed, aronia berries, also known as black chokeberries, are native to North America. There are farms dedicated to cultivating these antioxidant-rich berries from Iowa all the way to Europe. Their scientific name is Aronia melanocarpa, which makes them different from the red variety.
These berries are known for their health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. They have a tart, astringent taste, similar to cranberries or blueberries. If you live in an area where they grow, you can enjoy fresh aronia berries. You might even consider planting some shrubs yourself. Stores like Whole Foods offer frozen aronia berries, and you can often find dried ones in bulk at local farmer’s markets or health food stores.
Now that you know a bit about aronia berries and where to find them, how can you use them? They’re great in smoothies and baked goodies, and you can even make aronia berry syrup or jam. Try using them as a topping for ice cream and cheesecake for a healthier twist.
Since fresh aronia berries are quite tart, they’re not something you’d nibble on like blueberries. However, they really shine when mixed into recipes. Dried aronia berries become much sweeter and are a versatile ingredient.
Our family doesn’t eat a lot of grains, so you won’t find regular granola in our pantry. But we do enjoy making healthy granola with coconut flakes, sweetened with honey or maple syrup. We like to mix in nuts like pecans and dried fruits. To make granola with aronia berries, just add some dried ones to your recipe.
Dried, fresh, or frozen aronia berries are fantastic in muffins and quick breads. My kids sometimes get tired of having eggs for breakfast, so we like to mix things up with muffins that are grain-free and naturally sweetened. You can swap aronia berries for cranberries in muffin recipes using a 1:1 ratio for fresh or frozen berries. For dried berries, reduce the amount to 1/3 cup.
What can’t you toss into a smoothie? As long as you have enough sweetness to balance the tartness of aronia berries, they make a tasty addition to fruit smoothies. Try adding protein powder for a more filling snack that helps balance your blood sugar. Start with your choice of milk, add sweetener, protein powder, fresh fruits like raspberries, and maybe some yogurt for a creamier texture. Fresh, frozen, dried, or powdered aronia berries all work.
Aronia also makes a delicious, nutrient-packed juice. It’s strong on its own but pairs nicely with other juices like orange or apple. You can juice fresh berries or buy aronia berry concentrate.
While we don’t usually drink straight juice for breakfast, we use it in homemade jello. Try substituting 1/4-1/2 cup of aronia juice in your gelatin recipe. You can also incorporate aronia juice into chia seed squeeze pouches, using it instead of lemon juice to taste.
Most jams require simmering fruit with lots of sugar and the addition of pectin. However, there are naturally sweetened traditional jam recipes that are worth trying. I enjoy making a simple blackberry jam, thickened with chia seeds, and you can do the same with fresh aronia berries.
If you’re looking for simple aronia berry recipes without cooking, try adding them to energy bars or protein balls. These chia seed energy balls are a great option, or try them in energy bars that resemble a Lara Bar.
You can easily prepare your own aronia berry syrup using fresh or dried berries. Its consistency is similar to elderberry syrup, but the health benefits differ. Use it as a topping for almond flour pancakes and healthy ice cream, or take a spoonful for immune support.
Do you use aronia berries? What are your favorite ways to enjoy them? Share your ideas!
