Aronia Berries

Aronia berries are similar in appearance to Blue berries and grow on shrubs of the Rosaceae family. Aronia berries have been established in temperate climates such as Poland and Eastern Europe, where they are recognized for their health benefits, but they are native to North America and were traditionally used by Native Americans in medicinal remedies. These “Super Berries” are low in calories, but high in fiber, Vitamin C, and manganese. They are also an excellent source of antioxidants and in fact, exhibit the highest levels of any berry, and contain anti-inflammatory properties. As such they benefit heart and immune system health, and have demonstrated anti-cancer effects.

Usually, aronia berries are made into a juice for consumption, or used as a powder in supplements, but there are many other ways of using aronia berries, including jam, wine, cider, salsa, chutney, to name a few. Many people enjoy fresh or frozen aronia berries with their breakfast yogurt or cereal, or adding aronia juice mixed with kefir. The high amounts of anthocyanins in aronia berries give them their deep purple color, and as such they are an excellent dying agent. We are most interested in whole berry sale and the production of juice and puree, and are working closely with local partners to assure the sustainable distribution of these products.

Ripe aronia berries on the bush

Dorper Sheep

Here at Elangeni we raise Dorper Sheep in a sustainable humane system. The Dorper is a South African breed developed for meat quality and growth rate. They have a distinctive black head, and produce a short, light coat of hair that is generally shed in the spring and summer. The Dorper has become a popular breed among sheep farmers and consumers in the US due to its mild flavored meat, and is enjoyed in various preparations, roasts, stews, and especially grilled.

We maintain a flock of about twenty-five female breeding animals which typically birth an average of two lambs each. The sheep and lambs are rotationally grazed on pasture which contributes to the meat quality, flavor, and overall health of the herd. Most of the meat is sold locally to restaurants and private individuals.

Sheep grazing below the barn

Bee Keeping

We have active bee hives adjacent to our Aronia, native prairie and other various flowering trees. Our bees are local and overwintered and produce a uniquely flavored honey which is sold to private buyers and at farmers markets.

If you would like to order any honey please contact us; we sell 12oz jars for $10.

Honeybees on a comb

Orders

Orders can be placed for Aronia berries and juice, lamb processed to your specifications, and honey. Please contact us using the form below to place orders, inquire after products, or learn more about our event space if you are planning a future event.

Gallery

Resting on a log with the dog Holding a lamb Flock of sheep Pond in spring Moving hay bales Misty fence line Horse in the aronia rows Sunset over the garden Farm dog at sunrise View over the ponds Farm dog in the garden Dorper lambs Lamb in the pasture Horse at the fence Clematis in bloom First snow on the pond Pond reflections Afternoon sun on the pond Ewe and lambs in the barn Aronia rows in bloom Restored prairie Storm over the pond Sheep grazing by the barn Pond and pasture Spring fed stream Walking in the fog