By Scout Nelson
Aronia berries, native to North America, are gaining popularity for their high nutritional content. Farmers in South Dakota are currently harvesting this superberry, known for its rich concentration of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which have various health benefits.
These berries are often called chokeberries (not confused with chokecherries) and have a distinct, astringent flavor, like dry red wine. While they can be eaten fresh, aronia berries are commonly used in foods like pies, smoothies, jams, syrups, and even savory dishes.
According to research from South Dakota State University Extension, aronia berries may offer protective benefits against diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Local grower Julie Auch, who has been cultivating aronia on her Lesterville farm since 2011, shared her motivation for growing these berries. “I started growing the berry after my brother passed away from colon cancer at age 42. I was researching studies of foods that ward off diseases and wanted to plant something to help people,” Auch explained.
Prairiesun Organics, located in Vermillion, offers frozen aronia berries directly to consumers. Angela Jackson and Glenn Pulse run this farm, which is certified as Regenerative Organic and USDA NOP Certified. In late August, the University of South Dakota’s AWOL service group assisted Prairiesun in collecting and packaging the harvest.
Gary and Sandi Wegter of Berry Good Aronia LLC near Huron and Charles and Mamie Riggins of Riggins Homegrown Foods in Bruce are also contributing to South Dakota's aronia market. Both farms offer fresh and frozen berries, along with a variety of aronia-based products.
For more information on local aronia producers, the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association offers a comprehensive listing on its website.
Photo Credit:pexels-mali-maeder
Categories: South Dakota, General, Harvesting