Early chokeberry harvest leaves farmers facing tough decisions

They look quite unassuming, but these small fruits hide a wealth of vitamins and nutrients. In the past, families would return from harvests with buckets full of fruits. The bushes are often empty today, but not due to high demand.

In grandma's pantries, chokeberry juice was essential, often serving as a homemade remedy for autumn colds and weakened immune systems. Chokeberries, although tasty and healthy, have somewhat lost their popularity. We much prefer blueberries or blackberries due to their more accessible taste. Chokeberry fruits are quite tart, but they quickly win hearts after drying or turning them into juices and preserves. Their taste and health benefits are on par with other forest fruits.

Typically, the chokeberry season starts only now, but this year it began earlier. However, this does not mean that we will be coming home with full baskets.

Chokeberry is a treasure trove of vitamins that positively affect health. It is especially rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and helps fight infections. It also contains vitamin K, important for proper blood clotting and healthy bones. Moreover, chokeberry provides vitamin A, which is essential for eye and skin health, and B vitamins, which support energy metabolism and proper nervous system functioning.

Chokeberry helps reduce inflammation in the body, which can be helpful for many conditions, from joint diseases to skin ailments. The anthocyanins it contains may positively affect memory and concentration.

People with hypertension should consume it, as it benefits the circulatory system and may lower blood pressure. It is also a valuable addition to the diet of those caring for heart health, as it contains antioxidants that protect against free radicals.

This year's chokeberry harvest surprised farmers with its earliness. By mid-August, the fruits could already be picked, a result of increasingly warm springs and changes in plants' vegetative cycles.

Farmers face a difficult choice: harvest the chokeberry and sell it at a reduced price or leave the fruits on the bushes, incurring losses. Unfortunately, for many, the first option is currently unprofitable.