Plinia cauliflora – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Recipes

Plinia cauliflora, the Brazilian grapetree, jaboticaba or jabuticaba, is a tree in the family Myrtaceae, native to the states of Minas Gerais, Goiás and São Paulo in Brazil. Related species in the genus Myrciaria, often referred to by the same common names, are native to Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru, and Bolivia.^[rx] The tree is known for its purplish-black, white-pulped fruits which grow directly on the trunk; they can be eaten raw or be used to make jellies, jams, juice, or wine.^[rx]

 

Plinia cauliflora, commonly known as the jaboticaba, jabuticaba or Brazilian grapetree is a subtropical evergreen tree or large shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family. The plant is native to the coastal forests and hilly regions of southern Brazil. It also grows around Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, Brazil, also around Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Asunción, Paraguay, Uruguay and northeastern Argentina. Guapuru, Taanumox, Ibapumi, Jabuticabeira, Jabuticaba, Jabuticabeira-preta, Jabuticabeira-rajada, Jabuticabeira-rosea, Jacoticaba de Sao Paulo, Grauda, jaboticabeira, Brazilian Grape, Brazilian Grapetree, Jaboticaba, Jabotica, jabotica, jabuticabeira, guaperu are some of the popular common names of the plant.

The word jaboticaba is derived from the Tupi word, Djibouti, for turtle, or like turtle fat, descriptive of the fruit pulp. Cauliflower is cauliflorous, meaning the fruit and flowers grow directly on the bark or under bark along the trunk, limbs, and branches. The branch is profuse; angling upward and typically forms a dense, rounded, or vase-like, symmetrical crown. The tree is recognized for its purplish-black, white-pulped fruits which grow directly on the trunk; they can be eaten raw or be used to make jellies, jams, juice, or wine. The wood is only used for charcoal and as fuel. The plant can be grown from seeds or by grafting.

Jaboticaba Facts

Plant Description

Jaboticaba is a tropical, evergreen shrub or small, much-branched, ornamental tree. It is a slow-growing tree that normally reaches a height of usually about 5-13 m and a trunk diameter of up to 20 cm. The crown is rounding, symmetrical, dense, and wide. The bark is reddish-brown, peeling to reveal a smooth, multicolored cream to gray under bark similar to guava. The tree prefers moist, rich, slightly acidic soil. It is extensively adjustable, however, and grows satisfactorily even on alkaline beach-sand type soils, so long as it is tended and irrigated. Its flowers are white and grow directly from its trunk in a cauliflorous habit. In an uncultivated state, the tree may flower and fruit only once or twice a year. When continuously irrigated it flowers frequently and fresh fruit can be available year-round in tropical regions.

Leaves

The tips of emerging foliage often have an attractive pink or reddish tint. The entire, simple, evergreen, opposite leaves, on very short, downy petioles are lanceolate or elliptic, rounded at the base, sharply or bluntly pointed at the apex. They are 1 to 4 in (2.5-10 cm) long and 1/2 to 3/4 in (1.25-2 cm) in width. They are salmon pink when young turning to leathery, dark-green, and glossy as they mature.

Leaf arrangement	Opposite/sub opposite
Leaf type	Simple
Leaf margin	Entire
Leaf shape	Elliptic (oval)
Leaf venation	Pinnate; reticulate
Leaf type and persistence	Evergreen
Leaf-blade length	Less than 2 inches
Leaf color	Green
Fall color	No fall color change
Fall characteristic	Not showy

Flowers

Its flowers are small, stramineous, white or near-white, and cauliflorous, meaning they grow directly on the bark or underbark along the trunk, limbs, and branches. This occurs several times a year primarily in late winter and spring. Rain and overhead irrigation are harmful to fruit set during the first 3 days after bloom. Two days after they appear, the flowers begin to wither.

Flower color	White
Flower characteristic	Flowers periodically throughout the year

Fruit

Fertile flowers are followed by globose to slightly oblate grape-like berries produced singly or in dense clusters from the ground up all over the trunk and main branches, and the plant may fruit up to five times per year. Fruits are not produced on new growth as is common on many other tropical fruit trees. Immature fruit is green and becomes dark maroon-purple to almost black when ripe. Fruit development is very rapid, usually 20 to 25 days from flower to full maturity. It is typically 1 inch in diameter, varying from 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches depending on species and variety. The edible berry consists of a whitish, soft, juicy, gelatinous pulp with 1 to 5 ovoid flattened seeds, with a resinous quality that is either delectable or quite disagreeable, depending upon personal taste. The skin is often compared to the thick-skinned Muscadine grape and has a somewhat turpentine flavor. The fruit is eaten fresh or made into jams and jellies, or used to make wine. Jaboticaba may take as many as eight years to bear fruit.

Common in Brazilian markets, jabuticabas are largely eaten fresh; their popularity has been compared to that of grapes in the United States. Fresh fruit may begin to ferment 3 to 4 days after harvest, so it is often used to make jams, tarts, strong wines, and liqueurs. Due to the short shelf-life, fresh jabuticaba fruit is rare in markets outside areas of cultivation.

Fruit shape	Round
Fruit length	.5 to 1 inch
Fruit cover	Fleshy
Fruit color	Black
Fruit characteristic	Suited for human consumption

Health benefits of Jaboticaba

Jaboticaba is used for the treatment of hemoptysis, asthma, diarrhea, and dysentery also as a gargle for chronic inflammation of the tonsils is by the caustic decoction of the sun-dry skins is agreed in Brazil. Such use of fruit also may lead to excessive consumption of tannin. The fruit of Jaboticaba contains compounds similar to known to have positive biological effects in cranberries, grapes, and other related species, including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities. Listed below are some of the popular health benefits of Jaboticaba

1. Sore Throat

Locals have been using Jaboticaba as part of home remedies to treat sore throat since ancient times. The juice of Jaboticaba fruit is a bit sour, just like any type of berries. Mix the juice of Jaboticaba with warm water to help soothe the sore throat. Furthermore, the vitamin C found in Jaboticaba will help fight infection in a much effective way.

2. Asthma

It is true that asthma is among diseases that could be cured completely but it is possible to deal with the symptoms of asthma. Jaboticaba consists of some active compounds that could help open up the bronchial airways which are very beneficial for asthma patients. Though this has been proven traditionally still further studies are strongly required to support the claims.

3. Weight Loss

Since this fruit is very rare, only those who live in Brazil could enjoy these fruits as healthy snacks during a weight loss program that’s why you would not find it among the list of healthy fruits for weight loss. It is because these fruits are low in calories and carbohydrates but packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. Those combinations are excellent for weight loss.

4. Treatment to Diarrhea

As we all know the skin of Jaboticaba may cause constipation if you consume it too much. It is because it consists of specific compounds that could help slow down bowel movement. That’s why for medication purposes eating the Jaboticaba along with its skin is beneficial for treating diarrhea in a natural way.

5. Accelerate Healing Process

There are some reasons why this fruit is highly recommended to consume during the recovery or healing process. First, this fruit is packed with vitamin C which could act as an immunity booster; second, this fruit is super juice that could keep your body hydrated to optimize the body’s metabolism during recovery.

6. Skin benefits

Being one of the powerful antioxidants it prevents early aging and also prevents the occurrence of aging signs like dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. This exotic fruit has important nutrients, particularly in its peel that have been found to be very beneficial for your skin. Studies have found that Jaboticaba helps in rejuvenating and hydrating your skin. It also encourages the production of collagen that helps in increasing the elasticity and suppleness of the skin. The pulp of this fruit consists of vitamin B3 which supports the functioning of enzymes that encourage cell growth. It also has detoxifying and anti-microbial properties and hence is used in the treatment of acne. Jaboticaba is used in the preparation of topical skincare formulations. Jaboticaba pulp is mixed with oatmeal and honey to make Jaboticaba face scrub at home.

7. Healthy hair

Nutrients in Jaboticaba promote healthy and lustrous growth of hair and are also helpful in preventing hair loss. Various preparations with Jaboticaba extract for hair are also available in the market.

8. Anti-cancer properties

Jaboticaba is very popular for its powerful antioxidant effects due to the presence of phenolic compounds like anthocyanins and many others. Anthocyanins, which act as potent antioxidants also possess anti-inflammatory, with anti-cancer properties. These antioxidants help in fighting off the free radicals that are responsible for causing cell damage and DNA mutations.

9. Digestive health

The high fiber content in Jaboticaba helps in making your bowel movements regular and in preventing constipation. The nutrients in this fruit aid in digestion and also in cleansing and detoxifying your intestine.

10. Reduce cardiovascular diseases

It has been found that diets rich in anthocyanin or polyphenols can lower your risks of cardiovascular diseases by regulating lipid metabolism. Research conducted in obese rats confirmed that such diets help in reducing the total serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels and also in increasing the good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Jaboticaba peel is a rich source of dietary fiber that is capable of lowering the levels of LDL and total cholesterol.

11. Diabetes

According to research conducted on mice, the peel of Jaboticaba is effective in reducing blood glucose levels and therefore its regular consumption may be helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes. Since it is a low-calorie food with plenty of dietary fiber, it is a healthy addition to the diet of people with diabetes. Animal studies have also found out anti-obesity properties of Jaboticaba peel.

12. Goof for Liver

Jaboticaba juice has essential properties that help to make the stress of the liver also help to filter toxins in the liver while nourishing the body with vitamins and minerals.

13. Against Early Aging

The rich content of antioxidants present in Jaboticaba juice helps slow the aging process and helps neutralize old fine lines and blemishes.

14. Good for pregnant women

In olden times, Jaboticaba was given to pregnant women because of the high amounts of iron in it. This fruit is also a good source of folic acid that plays a major role in the growth and development of the baby.

15. Increased Levels of Blood

The Jaboticaba juice consists of large amounts of iron which helps increase blood levels in the body. Also, the iron present in Jaboticaba Juice helps in treating diseases related to low blood levels such as anemia, dizziness, and fainting.

16. Stronger bones and teeth

High levels of calcium, potassium, and magnesium in this fruit are beneficial for your bones and teeth. These minerals help in strengthening your bones and in preventing conditions like osteoporosis.

17. Relieves arthritis

Because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, Jaboticaba is useful in easing arthritis and other inflammation-related disorders.

Traditional Uses and benefits of Jaboticaba

• It is also used as a gargle for chronic inflammation of the tonsils.
• Traditionally in Brazil, an astringent decoction of the sun-dried skins has been used as a treatment for hemoptysis, asthma, diarrhea, dysentery, and gargle for chronic inflammation of the tonsils.
• Its bark is commonly used against diarrhea and other disorders based on its astringency.
• Bark and leaves are used to treat diarrhea by the local people in a semi-arid Brazilian region.
• Jaboticaba fruits are consumed in the forms of juices, jams, liqueurs, distillates, wine, and ice cream, as an alternative to prevent post-harvesting losses.

Culinary Uses

• It is high in Vitamin C and can be eaten raw or processed first into sweets or fermented into wine.
• Fruit can be eaten raw, made into jellies, syrups, and preserves, or fermented into wine.
• The jam is marketed in Brazil as ‘Brazilian Grape Jelly’.
• It is used in jelly, or as a fine wine, or eaten out of hand.
• Ripe Jaboticaba fruits are highly nutritious and are mostly eaten as fresh fruit but are also processed to make juice, dry sweet wine, liquor, vinegar, sherbets, compotes, jam, jelly, tarts, and marmalade.
• The fruits are often used for making jelly and marmalade, with the addition of pectin.
• It is also popularly squeezed to make a fresh juice or fermented to make wine and liqueurs.

Other Facts

• Wood is only used for charcoal and as fuel.
• The wood is straight-grained, has average texture, is moderately heavy, but is susceptible to wood-eating organisms.
• Jaboticaba has become popular as bonsai plants in Taiwan and the Caribbean.
• Extracts used as a natural dye in food coloring.

Precautions

• Attention should be given to excessive consumption of this decoction, which could lead to too much tannin in the body, which is carcinogenic if taken over a long period of time.
• The skin of Jaboticaba may cause constipation, especially when you eat them in more than just a moderate amount.

References

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