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3 Comments

1. Aronia Berries are distinctly different from Chokecherries. The former, is not a cherry. It has distinct physical differences from chokecherries. The latter, chokecherries, come in red and black varieties, and physically look like a miniature cherry. I pick both the red and black varieties of chokecherries in my little corner of Idaho, along with elderberries. While there are no aronia berries in my neighborhood, all three (Aronia, Chokecherry, and Elderberry) have substantial health and food value. Chokecherries are a key ingredient in making pemmican as Native Americans did over centuries past. My purpose in this reply to make sure that readers understand the differences.

2. We used to harvest chokecherries for our favorite syrup in the Big Horn Mountains. But now in the PNW, we are growing 3 varieties of Aronia in our driveway margin. They’re nicknamed ‘chokeberries’ for good cause. Robins were stripping ours last year so I had to get them all in slightly less ripe than usual. I freeze all mine and put a very scant handful of Aronia into my morning fruit smoothies nearly every day. The bushes start producing prolific crops very early. Two nurseries in Washington have them. Highly recommend people order now and plant. Love in Christ, WF

3. very good series, thank you

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