Commonly known as chokeberry, Aronia has the highest level of cancer- and age-fighting antioxidant, anthocyanin, of any fruit. The berries are tart when eaten raw, and are best combined with other ingredients or sweetened.

Growing tips

Aronia grows well in a range of conditions, but is best in a moist, acidic soil, in partial shade or full sun. Incorporate plenty of organic matter before planting. It is a large, shubby plant, reaching 6 ft (2 m) tall, with a 10 ft (3 m) spread. As attractive as it is productive, Aronia flowers in late spring, and has superb autumn color that complements the dark berries, so plant this bush where it will be seen.

Aftercare

This plant should be kept moist at all times, especially during the first year. Apply a thick mulch of chipped bark after planting to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Aronia takes a few years to establish and reach full productivity, so be patient. You may need to protect plants from birds when the berries are ripe; they develop their best flavor after hard frosts.