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Malpighia emarginata with common names Acerola, Dwarf Barbados Cherry, Barbados Cherry, Garden Cherry, Indian Cherry, Huesito, Native Cherry, Manzanita, Surinam Cherry, Puerto Rico Cherry, and West Indian Cherry is a small and fast-growing tree in the family Malpighiaceae. The name to be called Acerola Cherry depends on the country you are in such as Brazil: Acerola, Cereja-Do-Pará; India: Vallaria Simeyaranelli; Spanish: Acerola, Cereza De Jamaica; German: Acerola-Kirsche, Barbados-Kirsche.
| Acerola Cherry Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Acerola Cherry |
| Scientific Name: | Malpighia emarginata |
| Origin | South America, Central America and Mexico, but now is being grown on Texas, India. |
| Colors | Bright red |
| Shapes | Small, Oblate-round Diameter: 1.5-4 cm |
| Flesh colors | Yellow-orange |
| Taste | Sour |
| Calories | 31 Kcal./cup |
| Major nutrients | Vitamin C (1826.67%) Copper (9.33%) Vitamin B5 (6.06%) Carbohydrate (5.80%) Vitamin A (5.29%) |
| Health benefits | Induce oxidative stress, Prevent Obesity, Prevent insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">Diabetes, Antioxidant Benefits, Prevent Liver Damage |
Acerola Cherry Facts
Acerola cherry possesses 65 times more Vitamin C than an orange. The single fruit provides the minimum requirement of Vitamin C of the recommended amount. It looks like a cherry with an acidic and sweet flavor. Fruit loses its flavor as well as nutritional content very fast.
| Name | Acerola cherry |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Malpighia emarginata |
| Native | South America, Central America, and Mexico, but now is being grown in Texas, India. |
| Common/English Name | Acerola, Dwarf Barbados Cherry, Barbados Cherry, Garden Cherry, Indian Cherry, Huesito, Native Cherry, Manzanita, Surinam Cherry, Puerto Rico Cherry, West Indian Cherry |
| Name in Other Languages | Brazil: Acerola, Cereja-Do-Pará; Barbados (Spanish): Buesito, Acerola; Czech: Malipigie Lysá; Danish: Barbadoskirsebær; Dutch: Geribde Kers; Eastonian: Sile Malpiigia; French: Acerolier, Cerise De Cayenne; German: Acerola-Kirsche, Barbados-Kirsche; India: Vallaria Simeyaranelli; Panama (Spanish): Cereza, Grosella; Papiamento: Whimaruku Machu; Philippines (Tagalog): Malpi; Portuguese: Cerejeira, Cereja Do Pará; Spanish: Acerola, Cereza De Jamaica; Surinam (Dutch): Shimarucu; Thai (Bangkok): Choeri ; Venezuela (Spanish): Semeruco, Cemeruco; Vietnamese: So’ri |
| Plant Growth Habit | Evergreen, semi deciduous and fast growing |
| Growing Climate | Tropical and subtropical climate |
| Soil | Loamy and well-drained |
| Plant Size | 3-6 m (6.6–9.8 ft.) |
| Root | Shallow |
| Branchlets | Brittle and woody branches |
| Leaf | Glossy, elliptical and dark green, length: 5–10 cm, width: 2.5–5.5 cm |
| Flowering Season | Summer-fall |
| Flower | Pink, Size: 1-2 cm, Diameter: 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 inch) |
| Fruit shape & size | Oblate- round, small, Diameter: 1.5 to 4 cm |
| Fruit weight | 5-7 g |
| Fruit color | Bright red |
| Flesh color | Yellow to orange |
| Fruit peel | Thin |
| Flavor/aroma | Sweet, tart |
| Fruit Taste | Sour |
| Seed | Small, rounded, three seeds |
| Varieties/Types | Sweet varieties: Tropical Ruby, Hawaiian Queen, and Manoa Sweet Sour varieties: J.H. Beaumont, C.F. Rehnborg, and Haley. |
| Fruit Season | Summer-Autumn |
| Major Nutritions | Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 1644 mg (1826.67%) Copper, Cu 0.084 mg (9.33%) Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.303 mg (6.06%) Carbohydrate 7.54 g (5.80%) Vitamin A 37 µg (5.29%) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.059 mg (4.54%) Magnesium, Mg 18 mg (4.29%) Vitamin B9 (Folate, Folic acid) 14 µg (3.50%) Potassium, K 143 mg (3.04%) Total dietary Fiber 1.1 g (2.89%) Iron, Fe 0.2 mg (2.50%) Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 0.392 mg (2.45%) Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 0.02 mg (1.67%) Phosphorus, P 11 mg (1.57%) Calcium, Ca 12 mg (1.20%) |
| Health Benefits |
|
| Calories in 1cup (98 gm) | 31 Kcal |
| Traditional uses | Fruits: Diarrhoea, dysentery and problems related to liver, cold, and cough are treated with the use of fruits. Puree: Used as topping on ice cream, cake, pudding or sliced bananas |
| Precautions |
|
| How to Eat |
|
| Other Facts |
|
Acerola cherry Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Malpighia emarginata
| Rank | Scientific Name & (Common Name) |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae (Plants) |
| Subkingdom | Tracheobionta (Vascular plants) |
| Superdivision | Spermatophyta (Seed plants) |
| Division | Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants) |
| Class | Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons) |
| Subclass | Rosidae |
| Order | Polygalales |
| Family | Malpighiaceae (Barbados Cherry family) |
| Genus | Malpighia L. (Malpighia) |
| Species | Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. ex DC. (Barbados cherry) |
| Synonyms |
|
History
Acerola Cherry is an inherent of South America, Central America, and Mexico. But now it is also being cultivated in Australia, Canary Islands, Brazil, Ethiopia, Cuba, Ghana, French Guiana, India, Hawaii, Jamaica, Indonesia, Pakistan, Madagascar, Philippines, Peru, Sri Lanka, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Surinam, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam Venezuela, and Zanzibar. Probably, the Acerola was grown in Southern Mexico and then it spread to Latin America and the Caribbean.
Plant
Acerola Cherry is an evergreen and semi-deciduous tree that grows upto 3-6 m (6.6–9.8 ft.). It adapts well in tropical and subtropical climates. The plant prefers loamy and well-drained soils. The leaves are elliptical, glossy, and dark green with 5-10 cm in length and 2.5-5.5 cm in width. The tree bears pink flowers which have 1-2 cm in size and 1-2 cm in diameter. The flowering season occurs from summer to fall. The plant has a shallow root system with woody and brittle branches. There are only two varieties of Acerola Cherry which are:
a. Sweet varieties: Tropical Ruby, Hawaiian Queen, and Manoa Sweet
b. Sour varieties: J.H. Beaumont, C.F. Rehnborg, and Haley
Fruit
The fruit is small in size which measures 1.5 to 4 cm in diameter with the shape of oblate- round. The outer skin is thin in bright red color. Internally, the flesh is juicy and yellow to orange in color. Its flavor is sweet as well as tart and tastes sour. Each fruit yields three small seeds in a round shape. Its weight ranges from 5 g to around 7 g. The fruit season lasts from summer to autumn.
Nutritional Value
Acerola Cherry is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, B2, B1, B3, Bioflavonoids, and Carotenoids. By containing 31 calories per cup, Acerola Cherry is very good for health. Acerola Cherry juice contains 89.58 g water per 98 g. It also provides carbohydrates, protein, and energy. In terms of minerals, it possesses copper, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, selenium, zinc, and sodium. It contains vitamins such as Vitamin C, B5, A, B2, B9, B3, B1, and B6.
Nutritional value of Acerola cherry
Calories 31 Kcal.Calories from Fat 2.61 Kcal.
| Proximity | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 89.58 g | N/D |
| Energy | 31 Kcal | N/D |
| Energy | 131 kJ | N/D |
| Protein | 0.39 g | 0.78% |
| Total Fat (lipid) | 0.29 g | 0.83% |
| Ash | 0.2 g | N/D |
| Carbohydrate | 7.54 g | 5.80% |
| Total dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 2.89% |
| Minerals | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Copper, Cu | 0.084 mg | 9.33% |
| Magnesium, Mg | 18 mg | 4.29% |
| Potassium, K | 143 mg | 3.04% |
| Iron, Fe | 0.2 mg | 2.50% |
| Phosphorus, P | 11 mg | 1.57% |
| Calcium, Ca | 12 mg | 1.20% |
| Selenium, Se | 0.6 µg | 1.09% |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.1 mg | 0.91% |
| Sodium, Na | 7 mg | 0.47% |
| Vitamins | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | 1644 mg | 1826.67% |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | 0.303 mg | 6.06% |
| Vitamin A | 37 µg | 5.29% |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.059 mg | 4.54% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate, Folic acid) | 14 µg | 3.50% |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.392 mg | 2.45% |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.02 mg | 1.67% |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.009 mg | 0.69% |
| Lipids | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.067 g | 0.10% |
| Myristic acid (tetradecanoic acid) 14:00 | 0.002 g | N/D |
| Palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid) 16:00 | 0.047 g | N/D |
| Stearic acid (octadecanoic acid) 18:00 | 0.016 g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.08 g | N/D |
| Palmitoleic acid (hexadecenoic acid) 16:1 | 0.001 g | N/D |
| Oleic acid (octadecenoic acid) 18:1 | 0.079 g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.088 g | 0.52% |
| Linoleic acid (octadecadienoic acid) 18:2 | 0.045 g | N/D |
| Linolenic acid (Octadecatrienoic acid) 18:3 | 0.043 g | N/D |
| Flavonoids | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Anthocyanidins | ||
| Cyanidin | 15.4 mg | N/D |
| Pelargonidin | 6.7 mg | N/D |
| Flavonols | ||
| Kaempferol | 1 mg | N/D |
| Quercetin | 4.6 mg | N/D |
Health Benefits of Acerola cherry
Acerola Cherries are also used in industries to produce various products. It is included in body and bath products, hair care, medicinal purposes, soap making, beverages, and food. Body products such as creams, lotions, ointments, conditioners, shampoo, massage oils, bath bombs, scrubs, facial masks, facial tones, and aftershaves.
- Induced oxidative stress
Acerola Cherry is rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, and anthocyanins. The hepatoprotective activity from the extracts of plants was studied to reduce oxidative stress. The research was conducted on the mice. The result shows that it was able to prohibit lipid peroxidation with the reduction in the aminotransferases activities. It also reports that the juice of Acerola hinders the hepatic damage caused by ethanol. (1)
- Prevent Obesity
Obesity is the result of an imbalance between energy expenditure and food intake. Besides, the studies show the relationship between obesity and mitochondrial dysfunction. The juice of Acerola Cherry restrains the blood glucose which reduces the disposition of glucose with energetic metabolism. Acerola Cherry prohibits triglycerides, weight gain, and cholesterol and reinforces metabolism and infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation. It assists in using the free fatty acids as the source of energy that helps to maintain the energy in the body. (2)
- Prevent insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">Diabetes
Health conditions such as macrosomia, premature birth, spontaneous termination of pregnancy, and complications of respiratory and metabolic in the newborn are caused by hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. The research reports that the juice of Acerola Cherry could be helpful to prevent dyslipidemias and hyperglycemia.
The extracts of polyphenolic substances from the Acerola prevent the effects of α-glucosidase and maltase and lower the absorption of glucose which eliminates glycemia. Polyphenols prevent advanced glycation product (AGEs) formation in diabetic people which involves the complication of macro and microvascular of insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes mellitus. The presence of antioxidant properties prevents oxidative stress led by the free radicals. The juice of Acerola Cherry prevents the future damage caused by diabetes such as vascular diseases. (3)
- Antioxidant Benefits
Acerola Cherry is loaded with huge sources of iron, calcium, vitamin C, anthocyanins, quercetin, caffeic and chlorogenic acids, kaempferol. Acerola Cherry contains powerful antioxidative activities in comparison to alpha-tocopherol. Cartenoids could also be found in Acerola Cherry which is an antioxidant and also supplies nutrients. Antioxidants and vitamins lower cholesterol, blood glucose, LDL – cholesterol levels, triglycerides and raises HDL-cholesterol levels. (4)
- Prevent Liver Damage
Acerola Cherry has antioxidant properties which are related to the liver protective effect. The juice of Acerola Cherry provides various health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C as well as phenolic compounds that assist to protect liver cells’ membranes from the damage of free radicals. Eventually, the research concludes that the juice of Acerola Cherry forbids liver damage. The results have been very clear that Acerola Cherry helps to maintain the health of the liver. (5)
6. Promotes Healthy Skin and Collagen Formation
Acerola Cherry is loaded with nutrients such as Copper, Vitamin C, and others which help to enhance skin texture and provide beautiful skin. Vitamin C reduces the appearance of wrinkles, skin dryness and slows down the process of aging. Vitamin C is essential for the development of ligaments, tendons and blood vessels. It assists to heal the wound and forms scar tissue. A mineral such as copper helps to develop elastin which promotes the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
- Improves Cardiovascular Health
The body needs pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 to produce cholesterol. The study of pantethine which is a derivative of pantothenic acid shows its ability to influence heart ailments such as cholesterol with positive effects. Vitamin B5 contained in Acerola Cherry plays a role in the use and regulation of cholesterol, helping to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol within the arteries and to prevent dangerous plaque build-up which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Vitamin B5 also helps the body create red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout our body. Vitamin B5 has been shown to enhance the level of hemoglobin in our bodies. Adding Vitamin B5 rich food Acerola Cherry to your diet may help to prevent cardiovascular diseases. (6)
Traditional uses
Diarrhea, dysentery, and problems related to liver, cold, and cough are treated with the use of fruits. In Brazil, fever and dysentery are treated with Acerola Cherries and are also used as a stimulant for the liver and renal systems. The health conditions such as insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes, high cholesterol, rheumatism, fungal infections, and tuberculosis are also treated with Acerola Cherries. It also heals burns and wounds. Dental problems such as gum infections and tooth decay could be treated with Acerola Cherries. It also helps depression, diarrhea, pressure sores, constipation, hay fever, and collagen disorders. It also prevents the hardening of arteries, heart disease, blood clots, and cancer.
How to Eat
Acerola Cherries are also used in culinary dishes. It should be used instantly after it is picked because it gets spoiled quickly. Acerola Cherry is also consumed in ripe form. It is also preserved as jelly, jam, or syrup. Alcohol of some types is also produced with this fruit. It is also added to the fruit cup, fruit salad, etc. The juice can be made out of this fruit which is quite popular in Brazil. It could be added to the sherbets, desserts, popsicles, and punch. It is also added as an ingredient in fruit smoothies.
Precautions:
The one allergic to Acerola Cherry could experience these symptoms such as upset stomachs, insomnia, and sleeplessness. The excessive intake of Acerola Cherry causes diarrhea. As the presence of Vitamin C promotes the uric acid level, it could be dangerous to gout patients. It also interacts with estrogens. Though it is not known whether the use of Acerola Cherry by pregnant and breastfeeding women is harmful or not but it is better to avoid being in safe side. Due to the richness in Vitamin C, it results in kidney stone formation.
From Where To Buy
- With Plant-Based Vitamin C: Naturally derived Vitamin C from real Acerola Cherry fruit extract delivers vitamin C in a friendly, plant-based form that’s easy for your body to absorb.*
- Bioflavonoid Boost: Naturally-occurring Citrus Bioflavonoids from Organic Orange and Lemon work in synergy with vitamin C to boost its bioavailability and enhance its antioxidant power.*
- Natural Immune Boost: Vitamin C and bioflavonoids support a strong, healthy immune system in multiple ways, including supporting the production of antibodies and protecting against oxidative stress.*
- Clean Label: This vegan supplement is free of GMOs, soy, gluten, yeast, dairy, eggs, nuts, caffeine, coloring, preservatives, and flavoring.
or
- USDA Certified Organic Acerola Vitamin C Powder, 8 Ounce, No GMOs, Vegan Friendly, Brazil Origin.
- Organic Acerola Berry, Natural Vitamin C (Immune Vitamins) for Immune System and Strong Antioxidant.
- No GMOs, No Irradiation, No Fillers, No Additives, No Artificial Colors. No Gluten and No Pesticide.
- Better Than Tart Cherry and Camu Camu -- Tart Cherry is with Low Natural Vitamin C Content While Camu Camu Has always been Added with Synthetic Ascorbic Acid.
- Scoop included to get the measurement every time. Take it daily with or between meals by adding it to a shake or smoothie, and see what the most nutrient-dense food on the planet is all about.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649719/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315720/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3419346/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11795/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5291486/
- https://fruits.edpsciences.org/articles/fruits/abs/2012/05/fruits120033/fruits120033.html
- http://www.fao.org/3/cb2395en/CB2395EN.pdf
- https://www.fao.org/in-action/inpho/crop-compendium/fruits-vegetables/en/
- https://www.fao.org/3/cb2395en/online/src/html/fruit-and-vegetables.html
- http://www.fao.org/3/cb2395en/CB2395EN.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit
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- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_culinary_fruits
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fruit-and-vegetables
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/fruits_vegetables.html
- https://www.botanical-online.com/en/botany/fruits-types-characteristics
- https://www.fda.gov/food/laboratory-methods-food/mpm-v-9-fruits-and-fruit-products-v-51-v-78
- https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/nutrition-information-raw-fruits-vegetables-and-fish
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mcn.12208
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- https://www.science.org/
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- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
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- https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide
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- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/
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- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammea_americana
- https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/mamey.html
