A Brief History of the Chokeberry
Although many Americans are just starting to learn about the
vast health benefits of the Chokeberry (Aroniaberry), for the first Americans
these berries were an important food and health and wellness staple. The Chokeberry was eaten raw, dried or mixed
with pemmican (a paste made of dried and pounded meat mixed with melted fat and
other ingredients) The Native American
Apache Tribe dried chokeberries and pressed them into cakes. They stockpiled
them for winter months when game was scarce. The fresh berries could be mashed
or made into a jam. If left to ferment
it was mixed with berries like cherries and made into cherry wine. The Native
Americans used every single part of the plant.
Even the sticks, bark and roots were used to produce a medicinal tea.
With the industrial revolution, Chokeberries (Aroniaberries)
and the nutritional importance that surrounded them were lost to the population
in the United States. The cultural shift
to an industrial era and the trend toward modern agriculture sent the berry
into relative obscurity on the North American continent. However, as knowledge
of the Chokeberry waned in the States, the Chokeberry gained wider prominence
in the Eastern Bloc countries, particularly in Poland.
Today, interest and production of chokeberries and
chokeberry products are increasing in the U.S.
According to Kathy Wiederholt, Fruit Project Manager at North Dakota
State University, “In the U.S., Iowa has the greatest acreage at about 1,300
acres. The numbers of growers in Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota and
Wisconsin is increasing as are acres in eastern states.” Wiederholt explains, “Chokeberries
(Aroniaberries) have been grown as a commercial berry crop in most Eastern
European countries since the 1950s and in Russia since the 1940s. Since 2010,
European chokeberry acreage has remained constant, mostly due to volatility in
prices. With nearly 15,000 acres, Poland still holds 90% of world production.”
Poland is by far the largest producer of Aronia Berries in the world. Because of the high production of Aronia Berries, a number of medical institutes in Poland have been studying the potential health benefits of the berry over the years and how it affects everything from bone and joint health to cardiovascular health. The results of some of these studies have been posted on the internet or in Doctor Iwona Wawer's book, "The Power of Nature."
Health Benefits of the Chokeberry
The Chokeberry (also known as the Aroniaberry) has proven to
be one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants. In simple terms, antioxidants
are a chemical compound or substance such as Vitamin E and C, found in foods,
which are thought to protect the body’s cells from the damaging effects of
oxidation.
Here is how this superfruit, the chokeberry-aroniaberry
stacks up:
- Chokeberries
have higher antioxidant levels than other berries (see ORAC chart on the
“Science” page). Not only are they low in sugar, but they also contain beneficial
nutrients, such as quercetin, quinic, minerals, and vitamins.
- Chokeberries
contain the highest levels of anthocyanins (the pigment in the berry that gives
them their dark purplish-black color) and proanthocyanidins (plant-based
super-antioxidants) when compared to many of the other well-known
“superfruits."
- Science has shown that foods high in anthocyanins have been
proven to protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. These
high concentrations of anthocyanins may provide some health-promoting effects,
such as:
- Reduction
of inflammation and C-reactive protein (a substance produced by the liver in
response to inflammation levels)
- Proanthocyanidins
offer a wide variety of health benefits as well. Science has shown that foods
high in proanthocyanidin content may help:
- Improve
circulation by strengthening capillary walls
- Inhibit
enzymes that break down collagen
- Reduce
allergy production
- Improve the function of the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems
- Prevent
gastric damage
- Protect
heart cells from cell membrane damage and DNA fragmentation
- Protect
the liver from chemical damage
- Enhance
overall wellness
Chokeberry Products
You now can now enjoy the health benefits of chokeberries all year long online at Superberries.com. Superberries features four products featuring this super fruit.
The Organic Chokeberry-Aroniaberry Concentrate has over 7 lbs. of chokeberries pressed into the 16 oz. bottle of juice. The concentrate delivers the antioxidants your body needs to overcome the stress of daily living. Powerful nutritional compounds like anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids deliver health and wellness benefits to your eyes, joints, cardiovascular and other body systems.
The Organic Frozen Chokeberries-Aroniaberries are great to mix in smoothies, yogurt, cereal, salsa, make a salad dressing or dessert sauce and have one of the highest ORAC/antioxidant ratings of any fruit and vegetable. If you have a favorite berry recipe, trying adding Frozen Chokeberries instead.
Superberries Chokeberry-Aroniaberry Gummy Chews pack a
powerful burst of berry flavor and antioxidant power. Made from Chokeberry
Concentrate and organic sweeteners, this wholesome treat delivers a satisfying
snack that you feel good about eating and feeding your family.
Also, see our
chokeberry recipes for delicious ways to use our chokeberry superfruit
products. And, join our social media
network for the latest research, recipes, and discounts on Superberries
products.