Pitanga/Surinam cherry is a shrub that has shiny, smooth, and aromatic leaves which are bright red when immature. The top of the plant is narrower in comparison to the bottom. The flowers are small, fragrant, and white of one inch in diameter. The red berries are tasty and an excellent source of Vitamin C. It is used to produce frozen pulp, juice, and tea in various countries. Traditionally, it is used to cure inflammatory conditions in some countries.

Eugenia uniflora is a tropical fruit-bearing shrub or small tree in the family Myrtaceae. Common names include Surinam Cherry, Pitanga, Brazilian Cherry, Cayenne Cherry, Florida Cherry, Surinamkirsche, Surinam-Kirschmyrte, Cayena, nagapiry, Barbados cherry, French cherry, Pitanga cherry, and Red Brazil cherry. Surinam Cherry is native to tropical South America (such as Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Argentina). It is widely cultivated in tropical regions. It prefers well-drained soil. The varieties of Surinam Cherry are Common bright red and Rare dark crimson-nearly black. The plant flowers during September. It fruits two to three times in a year.

History

Surinam Cherry found wild in Paraguay in the thickets on banks of the Pilcomayo River. It was botanically described as a plant that grows in the Pisa garden in Italy. It was believed to get introduced from Goa (India). The seeds were brought by the Portuguese voyagers to India from Brazil.

It was naturalized in Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in Samoa, Hawaii, Ceylon, and India. But it is occasionally grown in Southern China, tropical Africa, and the Philippines. Long ago, it was planted on the European Riviera and Mediterranean coast of Africa. Surinam cherry is considered the hedge plant in Florida. The tree was grown naturally in the past for its edible fruits. It was grown in the pots in the temperate zones.

Plant

Surinam Cherry is an evergreen, multi-branched shrub or small tree reaching 10 m (30 ft.) in height. The leaves are opposite, simple, pinnate, ovate or elliptic to ovate, shiny dark green, and 2.5-8 cm (1-3 inch) long. The flowers have four white petals, thin, obovate, fugacious, fragrant, and 13 mm (0.5 inches) across. The fruit is depressed to globose; 4 cm (1.5 inches) wide and 1-inch diameter. The fruit flesh is orange to red. Fruit possess 2 or 3 small seeds and light brown.

Nutritional Value

The serving size of 173 grams of raw Surinam Cherry provides 157.1 g of moisture, 57 calories, 1.38 g of protein, 0.69 g of total fat, 0.86 g of ash, and 12.96 g of carbohydrate. The same amount provides 50.56% of Vitamin C, 18.57% of Vitamin A, 9.97% of Carbohydrate, 5.31% of Vitamin B2, and 5% of Magnesium.

Health Benefits of Surinam Cherry

Surinam Cherry is rich in antioxidants which help to prevent the free radicals that are the major cause of inflammation and diseases. Fruits are rich in phosphorus, Vitamin C, riboflavin, iron, and niacin. It possesses antiseptic, antitumor, astringent, and antibacterial properties; provides relief from diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems.

1. Heart ailments

A sufficient level of Vitamin C in Surinam Cherry helps to prevent the damage of blood vessels caused by free radicals. Atherosclerosis is a heart disease that is caused due to free radicals. Vitamin C helps to prevent this heart ailment and other cardiac issues.

2. Treats cancer

The high intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower chance of cancer. The studies show that a high intake of Vitamin C helps to lower the chances of mouth, lungs, throat, vocal cords, rectum, colon, esophagus, and stomach cancer.

3. Eye ailments

Cataracts are visual-related problems. People with cataracts have shown a decreased level of Vitamin C. The high intake of Vitamin C raises the supply of blood to the ocular areas.

4. Treats common cold

Vitamin C promotes immune power which prevents coughs and colds. It stimulates iron absorption and enhances the resistance power of the body against infection. It helps to counteract viruses.

5. Skin health

Vitamin A helps to eradicate the body from toxins and free radicals which damages the skin. It provides soft and supple skin by retaining moisture, preventing dryness, keratinization, and skin ailments such as psoriasis.

6. Prevent acne

Vitamin A lowers the production of excess sebum and reduces acne. It strengthens the skin tissues, enhances health and skin vitality. It helps to maintain the mucus membranes and skin tissues. It eradicates the toxins from the body and cleanses the system with its antioxidant properties.

7. Immune power

Vitamin A enhances the immune power to fight against infections by raising lymphocytic responses against antigens. It provides moisture to the mucus membranes to provide immune power and promotes the actions of white blood cells. It prevents the entering of the body, counteracts infections. It ensures double core protection.

8. Prevent Muscular Dystrophy

It helps to maintain the bone’s shape and health. Vitamin A ensures the proper growth of muscles. It prevents the development of muscular dystrophy.

9. Produces RBC

Vitamin B2 helps to produce antibodies and red blood cells in humans. It helps to increase oxygenation and circulation to the organs of the body.

10. Regulates growth and reproduction

Vitamin B2 ensures the proper development and growth of reproductive organs and body tissues growth such as connective tissues, skin, eyes, nervous system, mucous membranes, and immune system. Additionally, it promotes healthy nails, skin, and hair.

Traditional uses of Surinam Cherry

• The leaves are considered astringent, stomachic, febrifuge, and tonic.
• The infusion is an aid for influenza, head colds, coughs, chest colds, and fevers.
• The infusion is consumed before childbirth.
• The crushing plant is steeped in boiling water which is used as a wash to ease irritated skin.
• The fruits help to lower blood pressure.
• The syrup helps to cure influenza.
• The infusion made from leaves helps to treat fever, stomach diseases, rheumatism, and digestive tract disorders, yellow fever, hypertension, and gout.
• It also helps to lower blood pressure, weight and is used as a diuretic.
• The plants are used to treat the health ailments such as coughs, dysentery, diabetes, inflammation, and ringworm.
• The leaf infusion is used in Brazil as a febrifuge, stomachic and astringent.
• In Java, fruits are used to lower blood pressure.
• The leaves help to reduce blood cholesterol and uric acid levels.
• The bark is used to treat diarrhea, hypertension, gout, edema, gastrointestinal disorders, and eye infections.

Precautions

• The bruised branches and leaves possess a spicy resinous fragrance which can lead to respiratory discomfort.
• The seeds are not consumed.
• People who are allergic to Surinam Cherry should avoid its use.

How to Eat

• Ripe fruit is consumed raw.
• It can be cooked in jams.
• The leaves are a perfect substitute for tea.
• Unripe fruits are used to make chutneys and relishes.
• Fruit is used to make pies, sherbets, juices, etc.
• The fruits are also used in the preparation of various food products.
• The fruits are used to flavor jams and jellies.
• It is added to the fruit cups, custard pudding, salads, and ice cream.
• They are also prepared as pickles.
• The juice is fermented into wine or vinegar and prepared as distilled liquor.
• The fruit is used as an ingredient in jelly, pies, and sauce.

References

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