Thomas Thompson have been growing Aronia berries for years, the company grows them to supply Tesco, who are the only supermarket in the UK to stock them. Although the berry is said to have many great health benefits it cannot be marketed as such as it not scientifically proven, but there is plenty of information around about the berry.
They are not as tasty to eat fresh as some other berries but taste great in cakes and muffins, Tesco provides recipes alongside the berries. They are said to make great jam.
They can be eaten fresh though, the first one is astringent and makes your mouth dry, but the second one is better.
We have been growing them for around 18 years and Tesco has been selling then for 3 years now, selling them fresh is challenging because when people don't know what it is they won't pick it up, so hopefully with a bit a publicity we can get people trying them," explained Peter Thompson, Director at the company.