About the chokeberry

Chokeberries (aronia berries) are small, dark purple berries with an intensely astringent, dry flavor that literally makes your mouth pucker - hence the name. Despite their harsh taste when raw, they're packed with antioxidants and transform beautifully when cooked. In sweet applications, chokeberries work best combined with sweeter fruits in pies, jams, or muffins, where added sugar balances their tartness and creates complex, wine-like flavors.

For savory cooking, chokeberries make excellent glazes for game meats, pork, or duck, where their astringency cuts through rich fats. Home bakers can use chokeberry juice or puree in marinades, or incorporate dried chokeberries into savory breads and grain dishes. Always cook or process them rather than eating raw - the transformation is remarkable.