Arona berries are known as a super fruit due to their high levels of phytonutrients. The have become popular because recent studies have shown that they have potential health properties that support benefits for cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, cancer prevention, blood sugar regulation, and gut health. Additionally, they have been shown to have strong immune support properties.
Arona berries are also called Chokeberries because they have a very astringent taste, and it is NOT recommended to eat them raw. (You should take the “choke” part of the name literally). However, they can be cooked into jellies, jams, sauces, and baked goods. They can also be fermented into liquors. Some folks mix them with other fruits to provide a higher flavor profile.
This is the Viking cultivar, which is a black Arona berry.
It is extremely cold hardy. The bush will grow to be about 6′ tall and be about 4′ to 6′ wide. It is self-pollinating and thrives in either full sun or partial shade. Berries are ripe in the early fall.
