Now Forage

These squat, hardy shrubs produce unbelievable crops of large, purple-black berries in early to mid autumn. Although widely accepted to be unpalatable raw, I find them to be refreshing (albeit astringent) eaten out of hand. Aronia berries are excellent sources of vitamin C and antioxidants. They contain their own pectin and so can be mixed with other fruits when making jam to allow the mixture to 'set'. Careful, as the berries will stain hands and clothing purple. Suckers from established shrubs can be dug up in spring as soon as the ground can be worked and transplanted directly into their permanent locations.