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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 1,500 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. |
