Acerola is grown in tropical climates as a large, fast growing bushy shrub or small tree.
Acerola leaves are dark to light green and glossy with minute hairs which can be irritating. The flowers are pink to white
with a flowering cycles associated with rain. Fruits are round to oblate, cherry-like but with 3 lobes. They are bright red
(rarely yellow-orange) with thin skin, easily bruised. The pulp is juicy, acid to sub-acid occasionally nearly sweet, with a
delicate flavor and apple notes. The fruit is very high in Vitamin C, up to 4000 mg per gram fresh weight, but typically around
1,000 mg C. Green fruits have twice the Vitamin C level of mature fruits.
The fruit deteriorates rapidly once removed from tree; sensory differences can be noted within 4 hours. The best
uses are direct eating, jams and jellies, syrups, and juice additives. The fruit is used for baby food, and as a supplement source
for Vitamin C in a variety of products. |
