In the German Spreewald alongside gherkins and horseradish there will soon be organic aronia bushes growing. Last Thursday a 50 hectare plantation was opened, so reported the 'Berliner Zeitung' on their website. From the 130,000 plants, 80,000 are planted, the rest will continue to be planted until the arrival of the first frost. The first harvest, by hand, is expected next year. From 2015 the aronia berries will then be mechanically harvested.
These organic aronia berries will be mostly used for juices, the remnants of the berries can be used in mulled wine, tea, jam, cosmetics and natural medicines.
Throughout Germany aronia berries are cultivated across 160 acres. Aronia berries are larger than blueberries and look like small apples. The plants are native to North America.