Aronia Melanocarpa (Chokeberry)

BACKGROUND
Aronia Melanocarpa is the scientific name of the purple and black chokeberry (see picture), commonly called the Aronia berry.  Aronia berry is a deciduous shrub native to North America.  Although they are fruit producing plants, Aronia berry shrubs have been used for many years in this country for their aesthetic appeal in landscaping.  

Aronia berry is a self-fertile, climate-hardy and pest-resistant plant requiring little if any human intervention for its cultivation. They can grow to a height of 6-9 feet (up to 3 meters).   In May or June they produce blooms of 30 small white flowers, ripening to bright red (Red Chokeberry) or to purplish black berries (Black Chokeberry), then the berries are harvested in August and September. The berries are highly astringent, so they generally are not eaten without processing. 

The Aronia plant was introduced to Eastern Europe and Russia around 1900, and Aronia is commonly used in different parts of Europe to produce fruit syrup, fruit juice, jams, wines or teas.

Dietary consumption of plant material such as chokeberries, cranberries, and blackberries has gained scientific attention for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis, high-cholesterol level, infection, obesity and cancer.