Aronia berries, also known as chokeberries, come from a small deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae family, making them related to blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. When eaten fresh, aronia berries have a very strong, astringent taste, but when dried and used in teas or cooking they have an almost grape-like flavor that is absolutely delicious. Aronia is native to North America but is now cultivated in many parts of the world. The berries have been used for generations by the Indigenous people of North America as a rich food source and delicious flavoring ingredient in foods.
Fun Facts & Easy Ways to Use:
- The astringent effect of fresh aronia berries, which creates an extremely dry sensation in the mouth, is how they earned their nickname “chokecherries.”
- Aronia berries are native to North America.
- Aronia berries can be used as a substitute for currants in any of your favorite recipes.
- Add to homemade granolas and trail mix, or throw into recipes for muffins, banana breads and even cookies.
DECOCTIONS & SYRUPS
SUPER BERRY DECOCTION
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Frontier Co-op® Organic Aronia Berries
- 1 tablespoon Frontier Co-op® Organic, Whole Hawthorn Berries
- ½ tablespoon Frontier Co-op® Organic, Whole Elderberries
- ½ tablespoon Frontier Co-op® Organic, Cut & Sifted Seedless Rosehips
- 1 liter water
Directions
- In a saucepan, bring the water, berries and rosehips to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20-30 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly, then strain into a large glass jar.
- Sweeten with honey if desired.
- Store for up to three days in the refrigerator.
ARONIA BERRY SYRUP
Ingredients
- 1 cup Frontier Co-op® Organic Aronia Berries
- ¼ cup Frontier Co-op® Organic, Cut & Sifted Orange Peel
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar or honey
- Optional (for richer color): 1-2 tablespoons Frontier Co-op® Organic, Whole Hibiscus Petals
Directions
- Combine berries, orange peel, hibiscus and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and let cook, covered, for about 10-15 minutes; remove from heat and let steep an additional 45 minutes.
- Strain out herbs, return liquid to pot and place over low heat.
- Stir in water and the sugar or honey until it is fully dissolved.
- Pour into a clean glass jar and place in the refrigerator.
- Serve 1-2 tablespoons of the syrup with sparkling water for a refreshing beverage, or drizzle over pancakes, vanilla ice cream or French toast.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
DRINKS
ARONIA BERRY COCKTAIL
Ingredients
- ½-1 ounce Aronia Berry Syrup (depending upon your preference for sweetness)
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- 2 ounces gin
Directions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add aronia syrup, lemon juice and gin to the shaker.
- Cover and shake for 15-20 seconds.
- Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and enjoy.
- Optional: garnish with fresh lemon balm, mint or rosemary.
ARONIA BERRY MOCKTAIL
Ingredients
- ½-1 ounce Aronia syrup (depending upon your preference for sweet)
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar
- 6-8 ounces sparkling water
Directions
- Add aronia syrup, lemon juice and vinegar to a large glass. Stir to combine.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour sparkling water over ice and syrup mixture until the glass is full.
- Optional: garnish with fresh lemon balm, mint or rosemary.
FOOD
ARONIA BERRY ENERGY BITES
Ingredients
- 15 medjool dates, pitted
- 5 tablespoons almond, cashew or peanut butter
- 225 g almonds
- 1.5 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1.5 tablespoons ground Frontier Co-op® Organic Aronia Berries
- 1-2 tablespoons water or honey if needed
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
Directions
- Place all ingredients except for the coconut in a food processor and blend until a dough begins to form. Add a small amount of water and/or honey if it looks too dry or crumbly — it should be slightly sticky and near the consistency of playdough.
- Place shredded coconut in a bowl.
- Scoop out 2 tablespoons dough at a time and roll into balls, then roll each ball through the shredded coconut.
- Place energy bites on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before eating.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
ARONIA BERRY OVERNIGHT OATS
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup instant oats
- 1 cup milk of choice (coconut, almond, hemp, oat, cow)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt of choice)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Frontier Co-op® Pure Vanilla Extract
- ¼ cup Frontier Co-op® Organic Aronia Berries
Directions
- Add all ingredients into a large glass jar or container.
- Stir well to combine and seal jar.
- Place jar in refrigerator.
- Allow to sit overnight, or for a minimum of 4 hours.
- Remove from refrigerator and enjoy!
