Aronia is the name of shrubs from North America, whose dark fruits have also become popular in European crops. Aronia melanocarpa often appears in the descriptions of raw materials. The fruits are known for their intense color and tart taste, which is why they are used, among others, in juices, preserves and fruit mixtures.
Characteristics and context
A characteristic group of their compounds are polyphenols, including anthocyanins. Color, however, is not a measure of the exact content of each substance. Juice, dried powder and standardized extract have different characteristics. Interest in chokeberry combines the tradition of processing with modern trade in plant raw materials. When comparing preparations, it is worth reading the part of the plant, the amount of the extract and any declaration of its standardization.
Meaning and application
The astringency of fruits is an important feature of their reception, which is why chokeberry is often combined with other fruits in food. The color of the juice can be very clear even when we do not know the amount of individual compounds. Therefore, the intense color should not be treated as a simple test of the quality or concentration of the extract. Fruit ripeness, processing and storage method are also important. Raw material for food preparation and material for concentrate may be prepared differently.
In practice
In the recipe description, it is worth distinguishing between juice, juice concentrate, fruit powder and extract. These are process and form designations that do not necessarily provide the same amount of ingredients in the same mass. If there is standardization for a specific group of polyphenols, its basis should be checked. Not every "antioxidant" claim describes a result for the finished product. The comparison should be based on the data of the raw material and the recommended portion, and not solely on the name of the fruit and its recognizable color.