Cultivation and Processing of Modern Superfood—Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry) in Slovak Republic

Abstract

This scientific paper is based on the results of the research focused on the growing and processing of selected medicinal plants. Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) was included in the research because it is currently one of the most sought-after superfoods in Europe and throughout the world. Based on authentic data and literary sources, the model of economic efficiency was developed for assessment of the establishment and operation of the black chokeberry plantation in the Slovak Republic. The modelled plantation shall be spread over 10 hectares with an intensive method of cultivation (high soil quality, deep plowing, drip irrigation, fertilization with organic and inorganic fertilizer and mechanized fruit harvesting). This intensive cultivation method is characterized by higher yields in t/ha compared to an extensive cultivation method. The model is reviewed over a 12-year period. In this paper are presented three alternatives for processing total production. “Alternative A” represents the sale of the harvest to either the final consumer or the processor for further processing (fresh fruit). “Alternative B” represents the finalization of production in the form of apple–aronia juice (ratio 25% aronia–75% apple). “Alternative C” represents the finalization of production in the form of apple–aronia juice (ratio 50% aronia–50% apple).

Light Can Induce Accumulation of Nutritional Antioxidants in Black Chokeberry Cell Suspension Culture

“…The black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is a rich source of pigments (anthocyanins), polysaccharides and valuable antioxidants (flavonoids, phenolic acids and flavan-3-ol) [3,6,[11][12][13][14][15]58,59]. Because many of these secondary metabolites have proven health benefits, the Aronia was classified as a "superfood" [7,11]. Early reports demonstrated the potential of Aronia melanocarpa shoot and callus cultures for in vitro production of valuable compounds [27,28].…”

“…Elliot (black chokeberry) is a plant native to East Canada and North America that belongs to the Rosaceae family [1]. The plant is popular, with fruits that are among the richest source of antioxidants and colorants among all berries [2][3][4][5][6][7]. Anthocyanins, procyanidins, flavonoids and phenolics, found in fruits, have severalbeneficial health properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerogenic, antidiabetic, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective effects [1,[8][9][10][11][12][13].…”

Determination of the antioxidant potential of processing products of osmotically dehydrated chokeberry fruits and beer enriched with them

“…Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds containing two aromatic rings linked to each other by a C6-C3-C6 three-carbon bridge. They have numerous beneficial effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective [18]. According to different researchers, the content of flavonoids in fresh fruits ranged from 47.67 mg/100 g to 71 mg/100 g [19,20].…”

Effect of cultivar, year, and their interaction on nutritional and energy value components in Aronia melanocarpa berries

“…Britton is known for its fruits that have many benefits for human health. Consumed both fresh and processed, chokeberry fruits are nutritionally valuable food since they are sources of carbohydrates, minerals, organic acids, and vitamins, but low lipid and protein levels (Jurikova et al, 2017;Gündeşli et al, 2019;Aguilera and Toledo, 2022;Gurčík et al, 2023;Negreanu-Pirjol et al, 2023). Chokeberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fibers, and are often used in juices, jams, and other food products (Jurendic and Scetar, 2021).…”