Aronia, often hailed as a superfood, is gaining traction among health-conscious consumers, according to Cengiz Bostanci, an agricultural engineer with the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Bartin. “Aronia, also known as a medicinal aromatic plant, thrives in Türkiye’s fertile soils and favorable climate. It boasts high nutritional value and exceptional antioxidant properties,” Bostanci explains.
Aronia fruits are consumed fresh, and are also processed into jams, marmalades, and fruit juices. This fruit is celebrated not only for its health benefits but also for its economic importance, finding applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Historically, aronia’s journey to prominence has been swift. The official registration of aronia varieties began just a few years ago. Research on the fruit commenced at the Yalova Atatürk Horticultural Research Institute in 2012. By 2017, the ‘Viking’ variety was registered, followed by the ‘Nero’ variety in 2018. Aronia is now cultivated across various cities in Türkiye, including Bartın, which features organic certified production. The harvest for this year’s crop has recently begun.
Bostanci highlights aronia’s superior antioxidant content compared to other fruits. “Aronia holds the highest recorded value of antioxidants. Antioxidant levels in foods are measured by techniques such as the oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) value. The USDA recommends a daily intake of 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units,” he notes. This impressive antioxidant profile reinforces aronia’s status as a top choice for those seeking to enhance their health through diet.