Aronia (Chokeberry)

This is a small fruit that was originally grown in North America. It bears dark fruit that is similar to rowan. This fruit can endure low temperatures, so it is widely grown in areas like Russia and Northern Europe. In Russia, it is called Black Rowan. The fruit has a rich flavor, and is both sour and sweet. It is good for preventing high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. It also contains polyphenol, which helps us stay healthy. As a food with nutrient function claims, it is of particular interest because it contains polyphenol and anthocyanin. It has double the amount of polyphenol and anthocyanin that one blueberry has and about one and a half times as much as one grape. In Western Europe, it has been used for jam, juice and fruit liquors.
In the fourteenth year of Heisei (2002), a farm in Tsubetsu obtained seeds from Ebetsu city and planted them, which was the beginning of the cultivation of chokeberry. Its harvest started three years later. Today, there are one thousand trees, and the harvest reaches two to four tons in mid to late September every year.
The fruit of chokeberry is preserved in freezers and shipped throughout the year. Many local companies are producing and selling juice, jam, yogurt sauce, and other products using chokeberry.