Viking Aronia

Upright multi-stemmed deciduous shrub developed in Europe as orchard plant. Hybrid of Aronia and mountain ash from Ivan Michurin breeding program. Glossy dark green leaves turning red in fall. Most productive aronia cultivar yielding up to 5 tons per acre.

Fragrant white flowers bloom in May, earlier than species. Deep purple to black berries in loose clusters of up to 12 pea-sized fruits, ripen late August-September. Berries ½ inch diameter, astringent raw, excellent for juice, wine, jams, and marmalade. Self-fertile, benefits from cross-pollination. 22-30° Brix. Highest antioxidant levels among berries, 3x more than blueberries.

Developed in Finland/Russia, introduced 1980, widely cultivated Europe. Selected for commercial fruit production in Former Soviet Union. Introduced to United States last 25 years. 2020 Pennsylvania Gold Medal Award. Genetic testing reveals true hybrid between Aronia melanocarpa and Sorbus aucuparia (mountain ash).