LONDON, Ohio — Ohio State University horticulturalist Gary Gao traverses the state encouraging farmers and others to produce and market "superberries." Last month he spoke to a crowd at the Farm Science Review, explaining the profit to be made by growing such berries as aronia, Chinese goji and elderberries.

"Health-conscious consumers are big into these ‘superfruits,’" Gao said. "Researchers say there are health benefits to these berries because of their dark pigmentation. They contain anti-cancer properties. They’re not going to cure cancer, but they have a lot of protective properties. For this reason producers can cash in on a market that is growing steadily."

Gao and his staff of berry crop experts worked under their Superberry Project, which is funded by a specialty crop block grant from the USDA, through the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

"Based on research trials of elderberry, aronia berry and Chinese goji berry plants, we’ve learned that the berries grow well in this state and the berries are a viable option for Ohio growers," said Gao, "Although the majority of growers in Ohio have very limited experience with commercial production of elderberry, aronia and goji berries, there are already some small-scale growers across the state who have tried them and are doing it well."

Goji come from a woody perennial plant and the small red to orange berries are said to be powerhouses of vitamin C, beta-carotene and other nutrients, including 18 amino acids. Goji berries are high in antioxidants as well.

"It may take up to three years of growth after planting to get fruit on the plants, although earlier small yields are possible," Gao said.

Aronia, with its deep purple coloring, is said to be rich in anthocyanins and other phytochemicals, and the fruits can be eaten raw, although are often added to other foods because of their astringent nature. Elderberry contains more phosphorus and potassium than any other temperate fruit crop and is also rich in vitamin C.

Gao said aronia, Chinese goji and elderberries must be processed before they can be consumed. "Aronia is better suited for juice and some baked goods. Chinese goji berries are commonly used as dried berries like raisins. Elderberries are used in baked goods and can be turned into wine."

He and other researchers have grown the fruit successfully in Piketon. He said the fruit should thrive anywhere in Ohio.

"My advice to growers is to identify a market first before they plant a lot of these superberry crops," Gao said. "Before even planting one should do a soil test, read the soil map of a potential site and even check out other fruit farms. We encourage people to visit the research farm at OSU South Centers in Piketon, Ohio, and talk to these fruit specialists.

"I suggest planting a few different superberry crops for risk mitigation, wider selection and seasonal extension. It’s best to order plants from a reputable nursery and install a deer fence before planting. You might even install bird netting to prevent fruit loss to birds."

Gao even suggested building raised beds for improved soil drainage.

Other superfruits, he said, include the common blackberry, blueberry and raspberry. All have great health benefits and offer some form of antioxidant.

"To be successful with these lucrative berries the grower must have excellent soils with good drainage, have a good source of water for irrigation, a good understanding of fruit production and marketing and have a market established for these berries. Both new and existing growers should explore these superberry crops for their potential as alternative cash crops," he added.