Aronia BBQ Sauce
✨ From the Orchard
At Dee’s Nutz and Berries in Brodhead, WI, we love a good sauce that bites back—and this Aronia BBQ Sauce, nicknamed The Backyard Sizzler, brings exactly that kind of energy to your table. Aronia berries, also known as chokeberries, might be small, but they deliver massive flavor and nutrition. Known for their high antioxidant content and tart edge, these berries are the perfect match for smoky, tangy, finger-licking BBQ.
While most BBQ sauces lean heavily on tomato and sugar, we turn up the flavor with aronia’s deep berry notes, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and the perfect blend of spices. Whether you’re basting ribs, slathering pulled pork, or dipping grilled tofu skewers, this sauce delivers rich color and bold bite with every drizzle.
Our farm opens to the public in 2028, and we’re beyond excited to bring this sauce—and the berries behind it—straight from our orchard to your plate. Want to explore more about aronia’s rising star status in culinary and wellness circles? Don’t miss this University of Maryland Extension resource on Aronia berries. You’ll also find more inspiration on our Aronia U-Pick and Recipes page.
The Backyard Sizzler: Aronia BBQ Sauce
🍽️ Aronia BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup aronia berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup water
🥣 Aronia BBQ Sauce Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine aronia berries and water. Simmer for 10 minutes, softening the berries.
- Mash gently, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove skins (optional).
- Return juice to the pan. Stir in ketchup, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire, and spices.
- Simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness, heat, or acidity as desired.
- Let cool slightly. Store in a clean jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
🍁 From the Orchard Tip
- 🔥 Brush on grilled chicken or ribs during the last few minutes for a sticky, flavorful crust
- 🥪 Slather onto pulled pork sandwiches or brisket wraps
- 🌽 Drizzle over roasted corn or grilled veggies for a berry-rich twist
- 🍔 Mix into mayo for a next-level burger spread
- 🧊 Freeze in small jars or ice cube trays for BBQ-ready portions anytime
- 🌶️ Want it smoky? Add a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder
More to Savor from the Orchard
- Education & Research
- Harvest & Farm Life
- Preserving & Storage
- Recipes
- Sustainable Farm Living
- Wellness & Herbal Remedies
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