Aronia
Aronia
Aronia, also known as chokeberry (not to be confused with chokecherry, Prunus virginiana,) is a hardy, vigorous plant native to Eastern North America. The purplish-black fruit is approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size and borne on a medium to large shrub that can be 5 to 10 feet tall. The astringent fruit, which is very high in several healthful compounds, is being used in the food industry to add color and/or antioxidants to other juices, such as apple and grape. Aronia fruit is also used in making wine, jam, syrup, yogurt, and tea. Aronia is a desirable landscape shrub with seasonal interest: white flowers in the spring, clusters of dark berries in the summer, and reddish fall foliage.
Key Requirements
| Land | Low |
| Labor | Medium |
| Capital | Medium |
Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.
Markets
- Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Market
- On-Farm Market
- CSA
- Value-Added
- Specialty Foods Markets
Pests & Disease
Subject to spotted wing drosophila infestations, making spraying a necessity. Aronia is attractive to deer and birds, and wildlife exclusion strategies could present significant time and expense for commercial plantings.
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets. Can take 3 years to see returns.
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets. Can take 3 years to see returns.
Challenges
- Unfamiliarity can inhibit widespread consumer acceptance, limiting sales volume.
- Necessity of processing further complicates the marketing process, eliminating direct fresh sales and affecting increasing returns.
Opportunities
- Aronia berries are less tender and therefore less prone to injury during transport to market.
- Aronia prefers a neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained soil located in full sun.
- Have positive health aspects and these characteristics may help grow markets for both crops among more health-conscious American consumers.