I’ve talked about 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 for some inspiration!
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-packed superfood. The taxonomical name is Aronia melanocarpa, which is different than red aronia.
They’re a health food with a wide variety of benefits. Aronia has been studied for immune system support, inflammation, and more. They’re astringent (think pucker worthy) and taste similar to cranberry or blueberry.
Where to Get Aronia Berries
If you live in an area where they grow you can have your very own fresh aronia berries. Or you can plant some aronia shrubs and grow your own. Certain stores, like Whole Foods, offer frozen aronia berries. You can also find dried aronia berries in bulk. Check with your local farmer’s 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 get them, how do you 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 the fresh berries are more tart and astringent it’s not the same as popping a handful of blueberries into your mouth. However, they’re great mixed with 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 at our house. That said, I still found a way to make healthy, delicious granola. The main ingredient is coconut flakes with honey or maple syrup as a sweetener. I’ll throw in different nuts, like pecans, and dried fruit as the feeling hits.
To make granola with aronia berries simply add some dried aronia berries to the recipe. Get the recipe for 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’re grain free and naturally sweetened!
To make aronia berry muffins, try subbing them for cranberries in this muffin recipe. For fresh or frozen aronia berries use them as a 1:1 replacement for cranberry. For dried berries, cut the amount down to 1/3 cup.
Aronia Berry Smoothie Recipe
What can’t you throw in a smoothie? As long as there’s enough sweetness to balance out the tart aronia berries, they’re a great fruit smoothie addition. I like adding a scoop of protein powder to my smoothies too. It’s more filling and helps to balance blood sugar.
Start with your milk of choice and add in some sweetener, protein powder, and fresh fruit (like raspberries). You can also add some 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-packed juice. It’s 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 aronia berry concentrate premade.
Our family doesn’t really just chug juice for breakfast, but we do use it in homemade jello. Try subbing 1/4-1/2 cup aronia juice for the juice in this gelatin recipe. You can also add some aronia juice to these chia seed squeeze pouches. Sub aronia juice for the lemon juice in the recipe or to taste.
Aronia Berry Jam
Most jam recipes require simmering fruit with lots of sugar and thickening with pectin. There are some traditional, naturally sweetened jam recipes out there though. I like making a simple blackberry jam with berries, orange juice, and thickened with chia seeds. You can do the same with fresh aronia berries.
Here are instructions for how to make a traditional aronia berry jam without sugar.
Bars and Protein Balls
Looking for some easy aronia berry recipes that don’t require cooking? You can also add them to energy bars and protein balls. These chia seed energy balls are one great option. Or try them in these energy bars that taste like a Lara Bar.
Even More Recipes
Here are a few more aronia berry recipes that double as natural remedies.
Aronia Berry Tea
This delicious yet simple tea is packed with antioxidants. It’s also anti-inflammatory and helps fight free radical damage!
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Bring the water to boil in a small saucepan.
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Add the aronia berries, ginger, orange peel, and water to a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil with the lid on, and then turn the heat off.
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Let the herbs steep for 5 minutes with the lid on.
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Add the green tea and steep for another 3 minutes.
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Strain and sweeten with honey.
Nutrition Facts
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 0.1mg0%
Calcium 11mg1%
Iron 0.1mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 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 to top almond flour pancakes and healthy ice cream. Or take it by the spoonful for immune support.
Aronia Berry Syrup
This delicious syrup is packed with flavor and nutrition.
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Combine the water, aronia, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer with the lid partially on until the liquid has reduced to 1 cup, about 40 minutes.
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Remove from the heat and allow to cool until slightly warm or room temperature.
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Strain and then stir in the honey and lemon juice.
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Store in a pint-size glass mason jar in the fridge.
Nutrition Facts
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 0.04IU0%
Vitamin C 0.4mg0%
Calcium 2mg0%
Iron 0.1mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Storage and Shelf Life: This lasts for about 2 weeks in the fridge. You can also freeze any extra.
Have you ever used aronia berries before? What are your favorite ways to use them? Share Below!
