Lauded in the USA for its multiple health benefits, the so-called ‘superfruit’ aronia, or chokeberry, has been harvested for the first time in Turkey.
Dr Yilmaz Boz, director of the Food, Agriculture and Livestock Ministry and Atatürk Central Horticultural Research Institute said in a statement to an Anadolu Agency correspondent, that the institutions are directing their efforts towards developing and cultivating the new product.
Boz explained that in Yalova they have been working hard for three years to develop the aronia plant. The results of the research and efforts have been positive and they have managed to raise the plant.
Concerning the harvesting of the first fruits this year, Boz stated:
“This is a big success. The fruit is known in several countries as a superfruit. Now we will present the results of our work to society. The fruit can be consumed fresh, dried, as jam or a syrup. After all of this work, we will train the people of Turkey to cultivate this plant. With the assistance of the government we began research into this plant 3 years ago. This plant has scientifically proven health benefits and we want to introduce it to Turkish producers and ensure its widespread cultivation.”
Ayse Fidanci an agricultural engineer at the Institute, notes that the plant which is not well known in Turkey, grows naturally in the Northern United States and has become more well known around the world over the past year.
According to Fidanci, aronia is an antioxidant berry containing phenol, minerals and vitamins that can potentially prevent heart disease and cancer, as scientifically determined, “Our country’s ministry performed studies to confirm this. The results of the study show that in comparison with 100 other plants, aronia has the highest level of antioxidants.”
Fidan expressed the desire to see aronia cultivated throughout Turkey.
Source: ajans34.com
