Acerola provides vitamin impact

100 grams of acerola pulp contain up to 4,000 milligrams of natural vitamin C. By comparison, the same amount of apple contains only five milligrams of this valuable vitamin.

24/02/05 Wild is promoting acerola as a first-class vitamin source, containing up to 100 times more ascorbic acid (vitamin C) than oranges. The comapny processes this cherry-red fruit into flavor systems for beverages, dairy products and confectionery.

The health benefits of acerola are uncontested and diverse: 100 grams of acerola pulp contain up to 4,000 milligrams of natural vitamin C. By comparison, the same amount of apple contains only five milligrams of this valuable vitamin. Scientific studies have shown that in addition to strengthening the immune system and providing help against colds, ascorbic acid relieves muscle pain, diarrhea, liver disease, lung infection and gum inflammation.

The Caribbean origins of this exotic fruit are evident from acerola's other name, Barbados Cherry. It has a history steeped in adventure. Because of its extremely high vitamin C content, this plant was treated as a valuable state secret in its homeland and could not be taken out of the country. But prohibitions always invite temptation, and acerola became coveted contraband. In 1955, a Brazilian botanist was finally able to smuggle seeds from the Caribbean Islands in her purse, take them to the South American continent and germinate them. This was the beginning of the growth of Barbados Cherries throughout Central and South America.

These cherry-sized fruits have a soft, juicy pulp that is processed into purée or juice concentrate for further use. Currently, the applications for this exotic fruit in Europe have mainly been limited to still and carbonated beverages. Still fruit juice beverages with blood orange and acerola as well as carbonated beverages with apple, grape and acerola are already successful. Acerola can also be used in fruit preparations for innovative dairy products and confectionery. Although this miracle plant is in the higher price range, the high concentration of vitamins means it can be used relatively sparingly in finished products.

Acerola can be combined with almost any other fruit, and goes especially well with berries and red fruits such as blood orange, cherry and grape.

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