Aronia berries, commonly known as chokeberries, earned the name "chokeberry" because of their astringent, tart flavor when eaten raw. The berries contain high tannins, making your mouth feel dry and puckered when you eat them. This sensation is similar to when you eat unripe fruit or certain types of persimmons, also known for their astringent properties.

The term "chokeberry" is a bit of a misnomer because it might imply that the fruit could cause choking, which is inaccurate. The name refers to the sharp, mouth-drying effect of the fruit's tannins.

Two common types of chokeberries are distinguished by their color: Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) and Aronia arbutifolia (red chokeberry). Both types are called chokeberries for the same reason, despite their differences in appearance and slight variations in taste and nutritional content.