Acerola

Acerola (Malphighia punicifolia L.) is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 5m high in dry, deciduous forests. It produces an abundance of bright red fruit 1-2cm in diameter, with several small seeds that look similar to the European cherry. For this reason, acerola is also known as the Antilles, Barbados, Puerto Rican, or West Indian  cherry tree.

The mature fruits are juicy and soft with a pleasant, tart flavor. Acerola can be found growing wild and under cultivation on the sandy soils throughout northeastern Brazil. It is native to northern South America, Central America, and Jamaica. Its cousin, M. punicifolia, is present as far north as Florida and Texas.

In North America, acerola is used for its high content of vitamin C. Dried acerola fruit extracts can now be found in tablet form and as an ingredient in many over-the-counter multivitamin products in the United States as a natural form of vitamin C.

Fruit Calories

Fruit Calories are made up of mostly simple carbohydrates, some proteins, and typically very little fat. Of course, there are exceptions such as the avocado.

Fruit is nature’s sugar (the sugar fructose) and can be thought of as a “healthy” carbohydrate. However, during a fat-reducing program, all simple sugars should be eaten in moderation, but don’t go too overboard! Fruit contains many healthy nutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.

Table 1: Acerola Calories and Macro-Nutrients