Aronia: An Old Fruit Crop, New to Maryland Farms

Aronia

A new alternative crop is being studied by University of Maryland Extension for organic fruit production. The Black Chokeberry or Aronia, to which it is commonly referred, is an eastern U.S native with a long history of fruit production in Eastern Europe. The Aronia fruit is about the size of a large blueberry and comes in clusters of about 10 to 20, making them relatively easy to pick. A mature plant (about 7 to 8 years) can yield over 15 lbs, but they start fruiting (averaging 3 or 4 lbs of fruit per plant) within two growing seasons after planting.

Interestingly, the fruit itself is more closely related to an apple and is dark purple in color. The color is attributed to high concentrations of flavonoids including anthocyanins. Due to health-promoting effects, there is great interest in fruits and vegetables containing high concentrations of flavonoids, which are considered potent antioxidants. Recent studies have shown that Aronia has a very high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) compared to other foods.

In 2010, the USDA analyzed several foods for antioxdent activity using ORAC. Total ORAC for raw Aronia fruit was over 16,000 µmol TE/100g (micromoles Trolox Equivalents per 100 grams of fruit, the standard units for this ORAC test). They tested commercial blueberries and found a little over 4,600 µmol TE/100g. The report also tested the palm fruit Açai, one of the leading antioxident fruits on the market and imported from South America. The analysis reported over 100,000 µmol TE/100g for the dehydrated powder. While this ORAC value is greater than raw Aronia, it is difficult to compare with the value of fresh fruit. While no published analysis of raw Açai has been made available, marketing websites claim a total ORAC value of only 5,500 µmol TE/100g, far lower than raw Aronia.

The Aronia fruit has potentially strong beneficial properties for health with regards to the function of coronary arteries. Other studies suggest antimicrobial properties for urinary tract health, colon cancer-fighting properties and possibly aiding in the management of diabetes. To date, no major human health studies have been published, so these potential benefits are only inferred from in vitro research.

Several food products can be made from the Aronia fruit including juice, juice extracts, jelly, and wine. It is true that some processing of the fruit is necessary to overcome some of the fruit’s astringent qualities which probably stem from the flavonoid or tannin content. However, these qualities, considered nutraceutical, heighten Aronia’s marketability and sales potential as a value added product for Maryland farmers.

Share This ShareThis

For more information, contact Dr. Andrew Ristvey, Extension Specialist, Commercial Horticulture; 410-827-8056 X113

Last updated: 04/2/2012