Chokeberries

Chokeberries are the edible fruit of several shrubs in the genus Aronia, most commonly Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) and Aronia arbutifolia (red chokeberry). They belong to the rose family (Rosaceae) and are native to North America; they are cultivated for both ornamental and fruit production.

Chokeberries are deciduous shrubs that form dense, upright clumps and typically reach 1 to 3 meters in height. They produce simple, oval leaves, white flowers in spring, and small pome fruits that ripen in late summer to dark purple-black (black chokeberry) or bright red (red chokeberry). The fruit is very astringent when consumed raw, which limits fresh eating.

They prefer full sun and well-drained soil but are tolerant of a range of conditions and cold winters. They are commonly used as hedges or ornamental shrubs and can attract birds; crops require some pruning to maintain shape and fruiting wood. Disease and pest pressure varies by region, with occasional issues such as leaf spots and fire blight.

Nutritionally, chokeberries are high in polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, and vitamin C. The fruit is mainly consumed after processing to reduce astringency, including juice, jams, jellies, syrups, wines, or dried snacks. They are also used in dietary supplements and flavoring.

Harvesting occurs in late summer to autumn; fresh berries store poorly but freeze well or can be processed promptly.