Norm’s aronia berries about ready to pick at the orchard

OSMOND — Aronia — a new super food, or an old one? Even though aronia berries are rare in this part of the world, they are not rare in Osmond, NE. I’m not sure how, why or when my dad got the idea to plant aronia berries, but I do know that they are abundant and that his dream was to plant them in his little Osmond Community Fruit Orchard to share with all of you.

He also planted some in his back yard, along the west side of Immanuel Lutheran Church and maybe even more locations I’m not aware of.

Aronia berries originate from North America and were used as a cold remedy by Native American tribes. The berries are a small, dark fruit that grows on shrubs of the Rosaceae family.

These berries are often called a “super fruit” with many health benefits. They are rich in fiber, vitamin C and manganese and are powerful antioxidants that may have hearthealthy, immune-boosting and anti-cancer properties.

You can add fresh aronia berries to many recipes. Try them in juices, jams, jellies or syrups, or use them as a supplement.

Many of you know how Norm used his berries. I would often see him picking the berries and occasionally he would talk one of the great-grandkids into helping, with the goal of filling at least one ice cream bucket. He took them home to clean and make them into aronia berry juice.

Now, it’s no secret to a lot of you what he made. Yes, maybe you were lucky to receive a jar of his jelly or a bottle of his famous wine.

Dad was a very generous man and I know he would be so pleased to see his friends of Osmond go visit the fruit orchard, pick berries and try to make a batch of his jelly, make some wine, or use the fruit for your own pleasure.

Norm’s Aronia Berry Jelly

5 C. juice from berries, or can use a juicer

1 box Sure Jell

Cook until boiling, then add 6 Cups of white sugar. Boil until thick or place small amount in refrigerator to check consistency.

Four gallons of berries makes about 26 jelly jars full.

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