By Chris Zdorovtsov
South Dakota Specialty Producers Association
Pierre, S.D.— Aronia is a fruit native to North America, known for its outstanding nutritional value. These berries have high concentrations of flavonoids, which are considered potent antioxidants. South Dakota farmers are raising this superberry which is now in season and available across the state.
Aronia, also known as a chokeberry, not chokecherry, has its own unique flavor. This berry, which is closely related to apples and roses, has an astringent, medicinal taste, like a dry red wine, when eaten fresh. It is most often incorporated into other foods such as apple pie, smoothies, muffins, crafted into wine, jams or syrups, or even added to savory dishes such as spaghetti sauce or put on pizza.
The flavor may be an indicator of its health benefits, as according to S.D. State University Extension, a number of studies have found evidence that aronia berries may have protective benefits against various types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other health issues.
Julie Auch, a Lesterville area grower, planted 5 acres of aronia in 2011. The crop reached full harvest capacity after 3 years, producing clusters of 10-20 large blueberry-sized, deep purple berries. A Brix meter is used to measure the sugar level of the crop, indicating when it is time to harvest. This is typically mid August- mid September in South Dakota. Auch’s crop is primarily harvested by area Hutterite Colonies, who make an aronia apple juice used against ailments.
“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 said.
Several years ago Auch sent her berries to Iowa State University to get tested for their nutritional content. Surprised by their high levels of Vitamin C, D and healthy enzymes, staff from the University called her and asked where she got the berries. Auch was proud to say she grew them on her farm.
Angela Jackson and Glenn Pulse, of Prairiesun Organics, Vermillion, SD offer frozen packed whole berries direct to consumers. Prairiesun is Regenerative Organic Certified by Where Food Comes From and USDA NOP Certified by MOSA. Contact them at (605) 638-0748 or at .
In late August USD AWOL, a service learning organization at the University of South Dakota helped support Prairiesun by collecting, cleaning, and packaging aronia berries from the farm. Each AWOL group ventured out into Vermillion to experience a different type of service in the community and provided a refreshing experience, with positive attitudes, smiles, and discussions as they helped with the community.
Gary and Sandi Wegter of Berry Good Aronia LLC, just south of Huron, started their farm in 2016 and have around 5,000 aronia shrubs. They offer fresh berries, 2-cup packages of frozen berries, and jams. Juice and aronia gummies are also available for ordering. Along with selling the berries they are a Harvest Host site, where guests can stay on the farm and visit their retail shop where they can sample their aronia products. Contact them at 712-251-5223 or .
Charles and Mamie Riggins of Riggins Homegrown Foods in Bruce, S.D. sell fresh aronia berries from their farm. Their Riggs Kitchen jams and jellies are also available at Gilkerson's Farm Store near Brookings. Farm raised raspberries, apples and aronia berries are found in their ‘Three Fruit Jelly.’ Contact them at 605-690-9777.
Stewart's Aronia Acres is a family farm southwest of Wagner, S.D. They planted their first seedlings in 2008 and today have 11 acres of aronia berries and 1 acre of black currants. They grow the plants without herbicides and pesticides and sell to both wholesale and to individual consumers. To buy from the farm directly contact them at 605-481-0406 or or find their frozen aronia berries at retailers including the Sioux Falls Food Co-op.
To find a local aronia producer near you visit S.D. Specialty Producers Association’s (SDSPA) website for a South Dakota berry producer listing (https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/producers/fruit/berries/).
The Sioux Falls Food Co-op, one of eight retailers involved in the Fresher is Fun! Campaign, organized by the SDSPA through a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant. The participating retailers support local producers, all offering specialty crops sourced from a variety of producers, increasing access and convenience for customers. To find other retailers selling local aronia and other local products visit SDSPA’s retailer website, (https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/retailer/), featuring farm stands, grocers and retailers.
Though aronia is found in many health food products, Auch indicated that the market in South Dakota is limited as the majority of aronia is imported in from Europe. Auch suggests that those interested in an orchard in South Dakota should consider a variety of berry crops as each year brings different conditions and growing the perennials takes a lot of time. Additionally, learn your customer base due to the limited market.
Auch planted their aronia six feet apart in 16 foot wide rows. The shrubs have expanded in growth, leaving enough room to run a mower in between the rows. She grows her crop organically, with little pressure from pests and disease. Rabbits and deer were an issue when the shrubs were small, and birds love to compete for the harvest. During the drought years Auch did lose some of her crop, but this year she has a bumper crop with the regular rainfall. However, the plants do not like standing water.
Along with its healthy berries for humans, this plant is loved by wildlife, makes a great windbreak, and provides vivid red and orange fall color to the landscape.
