Aronia berries: Local couple grows a versatile superfruit

(Above) Aronia berries have high levels of antioxidents and polyphenols, properties that help reduce the risk for many diseases.  They are often called “superfruit.”

Nestled on a hill next to conservation ground west of Fertile lies Berry Hill Orchard LLC.  The orchard was started four years ago by Ventura native Tonya DeVries-Morse and her husband, Tom, after moving back to the area to be closer to family.  Tonya’s late father, then 80, and the couple’s sons assisted them in planting thousands of Aronia berry bushes by hand and installing drip irrigation.

Tonya grew up in Ventura, her mom a beautician, avid gardener and cook, her dad from a farming background who worked as an air traffic controller; both of whom encouraged outdoor activities and gardening.  As a child, she loved visiting her grandparents’ farm and dreamed of living in the country someday.  As a youth, Tom’s family always had huge gardens.  He often assisted local farmers on their farms, enjoyed the outdoors, and loved the country life.

After searching for years for their ideal acreage spot, they found one near Fertile.  They wanted to continue their tradition of gardening, but also make a difference by growing and offering to the public a natural, chemical-free crop that would contribute to good health.

“Everyone knows someone who has had cancer, heart disease, arthritis, or diabetes.  Those health issues touched both sides of our family.  After research, we chose to raise Aronia berries because studies have shown them to be such a healthy fruit,” the couple explained.

Studies have shown that Aronia berries (Aronia melanocarpa) have high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols, properties that help reduce risk for many diseases.  Aronia berries are often called a “superfruit,” as they contain more antioxidants than many other fruits, including blueberries, elderberries, cranberries, grapes, cherries, apples, and oranges.  Scientific studies published by the National Institutes of Health have shown Aronia berries to be beneficial to health.  Many people consume Aronia berries as part of their healthy eating plan.  They are low in calories but high in nutrients.  The couple encourages folks to try Aronia berries, read the scientific studies and decide for themselves any potential health benefits.

Aronia berries are not new to the United States.  The shrub is native to North America.  The berries were consumed by Indigenous people as a food source and also used in tea for the treatment of colds.  Aronia berries have been grown in Europe for decades, with

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Poland continuing to be one of the world’s largest producers.

Aronia berry shrubs grow well in Iowa’s climate.  In spring, the orchard’s berry field is a sea of pink and white blossoms.  By late August to mid-September, the shrubs are overflowing with dark purple Aronia berries ready to harvest.

Some people have never heard of Aronia berries and are curious as to what they taste like.

“Aronia berries have a unique flavor,” says Tonya.  “When eaten fresh, they taste sweet at first bite, then astringent at the end, like a dry wine.  Some people like to eat them fresh; others prefer to add sugar or honey first.  The berries sweeten up more after freezing.  I love them fresh or frozen and regularly use them in many recipes.  I add them daily to oatmeal and yogurt plus make jam with them.  A favorite recipe is dark chocolate chip Aronia berry cookies.  The combination of dark chocolate and Aronia berry is incredible.  We also love banana Aronia berry muffins, apple Aronia berry crisp, homemade Aronia berry ice cream, and fresh salsa made with our garden veggies and Aronia berries.”

The versatile berry is used in smoothies, jam, baked goods, salsa, salads, chili, a syrup for ice cream and cheesecake, BBQ sauce, beverages (juice, lemonade, tea, beer and wine) and added to oatmeal, yogurt and applesauce.  Aronia berries can be easily substituted in any recipe calling for blueberries or cranberries.  The berries’ dark purple juice is also used as a natural dye and ink and is often used for soaps, lotions and tinctures.

The couple invites visitors to pick their own Aronia berries at a u-pick event at their orchard from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or by appointment) through at least Labor Day.  The u-pick end date will be posted on their Facebook page (Berry Hill Orchard LLC).  The orchard is located at 24221 Apple Avenue, at the intersection of B14/330th and Apple Avenue (north of Ventura, west of Fertile, east of Forest City on “airport road.”)  Berries can also be purchased pre-picked.

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