Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) is a native American shrub that bears clusters of deep blue-black berries in late August and September. The berries are the size of blueberries, but have a strong, dry, tannic taste when eaten raw. However, when they are steamed and sugar is added, they have a delicious wild grape/mixed berry flavor.  In Poland and Russia, aronia juice, jelly, jam, tea, wine, and syrup are very popular. Studies show that aronia berries have some of the highest levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols in the plant world. These antioxidants are important in cancer suppression, cardiac health, and kidney health.

The only aronia grown locally is from Teresa Santiago, who is donating her syrup for the cocktails, and will be at the Benefactor cocktail hour to talk about her research trip to Poland and her local aronia juice project.