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.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Ingredients
- 12 ounces filtered water
- 2 tsp dried aronia berries (or 4 tsp fresh)
- ¼ tsp freshly grated ginger
- ½ tsp dried orange peel (or 1 tsp fresh)
- 1 tsp loose leaf green tea (or 1 tea bag)
- 2 tsp raw honey (or to taste)
Instructions
- Bring the water to boil in a small saucepan.
- 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.
- Let the herbs steep for 5 minutes with the lid on.
- Add the green tea and steep for another 3 minutes.
- Strain and sweeten with honey.
