What Are Acerola Cherries?
Acerola cherries are endemic to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, also known as Barbados or West Indian cherries. These small, red, or yellow fruits are well-known for their rich vitamin C content and are frequently used in supplements, juices, and other health-related products.
Acerola cherries are typically around 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter and have a tart, slightly sweet flavor. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, potassium, and calcium. In addition to their nutritional benefits, some studies suggest that acerola cherries may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially providing various health benefits.
What Is Another Name For Acerola Cherry?
In addition to Acerola Cherries, this fruit is also known by several other names, including:
- Barbados cherries
- West Indian cherries
- Puerto Rican cherries
- Antilles cherries
- Surinam cherries
- Jamaican cherries
- Cherry of the Rio Grande
- Wild crepe myrtle
Are Acerola Cherries The Same As Cherry?
Acerola cherries are not the same as the sweet or tart cherries commonly found in grocery stores. Although they are both considered cherries, they come from different species of plants and have different flavors and nutritional profiles.
Sweet and tart cherries belong to the Prunus genus, while acerola cherries come from the Malpighia emarginata plant. Acerola cherries are smaller and have a more tangy, acidic taste than sweet and tart cherries, which have a sweeter flavor.
While sweet and tart cherries are often eaten fresh or used in cooking and baking, acerola cherries are more commonly consumed as supplements, powders, and juices due to their high vitamin C content and potential health benefits.
Do Cherries Have Citric Acid?
Yes, acerola fruits contain citric acid and other organic acids like malic and quinic acid. Citric acid is a natural antioxidant found in various fruits and veggies, including citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. Citric acid adds to the sour flavor of acerola cherries and balances out their sweetness. Citric acid is also an essential intermediate in the Krebs cycle, a process that generates energy in cells and is used as a pH regulator, chelating agent, and flavor enhancer in many industrial processes.
Where Do Acerola Cherries Grow?
Acerola cherry trees are native to tropical regions of the Americas, including parts of South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. They are also cultivated in similar climates, such as Florida, Hawaii, and Southeast Asia.
The trees thrive in warm, humid climates and typically grow in sandy, well-drained soils. They require a lot of sunlight and regular watering and are often grown on small farms or home gardens. In commercial cultivation, acerola cherries are typically harvested twice a year, with the peak harvest season occurring in the late spring and early summer.
What Are Acerola Cherry Powder Benefits?
Acerola cherries are a nutrient-dense fruit that offers a range of potential health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits associated with consuming acerola cherries:
High vitamin C in acerola cherries
Cherry Acerola Powder is among the most potent sources of vitamin C available, providing up to 100% or more of your recommended daily intake in just one serving.
Antioxidant-rich
Acerola cherries are also rich in other antioxidants, including carotenoids and flavonoids. These compounds can help to protect against cellular damage and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Potential anti-inflammatory properties
Some studies suggest that acerola cherries may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially benefiting people with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Immune-boosting properties
Vitamin C is known to support immune function, and some studies suggest that acerola cherries may have additional immune-boosting properties due to their antioxidant content.
Skin health
The vitamin C and other antioxidants in acerola cherries may help to support healthy skin by protecting against damage from UV radiation and other environmental stressors.
Eye health
The carotenoids found in acerola cherries may also help to protect against age-related macular degeneration and other eye conditions.
What Nutrition Facts Do Acerola Cherries Have?
Acerola cherries are a nutrient-dense fruit that is exceptionally high in vitamin C. Here are some of the essential nutrition facts for a 100-gram serving of raw acerola cherries:
- Calories: 32
- Protein: 0.4 grams
- Fat: 0.3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 7.5 grams
- Fiber: 1.1 grams
- Vitamin C: 1644% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 767% of the DV
- Potassium: 146 mg (4% of the DV)
- Calcium: 12 mg (1% of the DV)
What Are Acerola Cherries Used For?
Acerola cherries are used for a variety of purposes, including:
Dietary supplements: Acerola cherries are renowned for their high vitamin C content, which is crucial for supporting immune health, skin health, and various other bodily functions. Due to its exceptional nutritional properties, acerola cherry supplements are frequently consumed to enhance immune function, alleviate inflammation, and maintain overall health and wellness.
Food and beverages: The slightly sweet and tangy taste of acerola cherries makes them a highly sought-after ingredient in a wide range of beverages, such as juices and smoothies.
Cosmetics: Acerola cherries contain antioxidants and other compounds that may benefit skin health. As a result, they are often used in natural skincare products, such as facial serums, lotions, and masks.
Natural dyes: The bright red color of acerola cherries comes from pigments called anthocyanins, which can be extracted and used as a natural dye for fabrics and other materials.
Is Acerola Cherries The Best Source of Vitamin C?
Acerola cherries are renowned for being one of the richest sources of vitamin C available, but it’s hard to determine if they are the “best” source. It is a vital nutrient necessary for immune function, skin health, and other bodily processes, and it’s also crucial to consume an adequate amount of it in your diet.
Acerola cherries contain an incredibly high amount of vitamin C, up to 30 times more per gram than oranges. However, various other fruits and vegetables are also excellent sources of vitamin C, including kiwifruit, guava, bell peppers, broccoli, and citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.
Where Can You Buy The Best Organic Acerola Cherry Powder?
At Nutri Avenue, a bulk raw ingredients supplier approved by FDA, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality organic acerola cherry powder on the market. Our acerola cherry powder is sourced from the finest organic farms, ensuring each batch is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. Therefore, we also offer the product certifications, such as Kosher, Halal, GMP, etc., to prove our product quality. Welcome to contact our team on our official website to get more details about this ingredient.
