Aronia is a very rewarding crop to grow. The Obrenović family from the village of Vlaška near Mladenovac has been growing it successfully for 17 years, and in the right way. Namely, as they state, ecological and organic approach is their forte.
Slobodan Obrenović has about 700 seedlings of this plant, which produce between 5 and 15 kilograms of fruit per year, depending on the conditions in a given year. Given that no chemicals, pesticides, feeding or any protection against pests are used in its cultivation, the aronia they produce is completely natural. This plant is known for its positive health properties, including immunity enhancement, antioxidant action, as well as antiviral and anticancer properties. Aronia can be consumed fresh, in the form of juice or dried.
Aronia as a source for quality nutrition – but also cosmetics
Growing aronia is not complicated, although the most difficult part of the process is harvesting, because the berries are small and easy to pick. Slobodan points out that he does not use top dressing or watering, but focuses on maintaining the soil around the trees and controlling weeds. Aronia root spreads deeply and can find water without additional watering. In his experience, the most important thing is not to prune the plants, as this can negatively affect their development. The first fruits appear already in the third year, while the full harvest comes in the fifth or sixth year.
The Obrenovics produce a variety of aronia products, including mustard, vinegar, juices, marmalade, honey, liqueurs and brandy. Aronia brandy stands out among them, which is produced in small quantities because the production process is very demanding; for 500 kilograms of aronia, you get about 5 liters of brandy.
As the Obrenovićs state, they also produce brandy with a combination of quince and pear, as well as a special brandy called Šumadijski shock, which contains 24 herbs and aronia. Aronia marmalade is the only product made with added sugar, while the other products do not contain any additives. Cold-pressed chokeberry juice is produced once a week, without preservatives and sugar, and one glass in the morning and evening is recommended as therapy.
In addition to food products, the Obrenović family also developed a cosmetic product – donkey milk soap with aronia scrub, which is useful for people with dry and sensitive skin. Slobodan emphasizes that they plan to expand the range of cosmetic preparations when his older daughter finishes her pharmacy studies.
Sales are going well
The Obrenović family mostly sell their products at events and invest all profits in the “Varovnice” Association, which nurtures Serbian traditions. For them, aronia production is more than a job – it’s a hobby and a way to preserve tradition. They remember that 17 years ago it was difficult to get seedlings, which then came from the Netherlands. Today, although interest in aronia does not spread too much in our country because of its specific taste, Slobodan saw that processing aronia is more profitable than selling the fruit raw.
The decision to plant aronia was made due to the health problems of the younger daughter, whose immunity was improved thanks to the aronia. The Obrenović family also developed chokeberry mustard, which has a specific aroma and has many fans. Mustard goes well with meat and can be used in various dishes as an addition.
Source: Good morning
Source: boljazemlja.com
