Acerola

Acerola is a variety of cherry and stands out for its high vitamin C content and its great antioxidant power, which makes it one of the most beneficial for the body.

what is acerola?

Acerola is the fruit of a large shrub of the Malpighiaceae family and measures 5 to 15 meters in height. From its flowers grow stone fruit called acerola cherries. The fruit is round and bright red and resembles a cherry, 1 to 2.5 cm in diameter. Its flavor is delicate and with acid touches. Its pulp is juicy and rich in Vitamin C.

Its scientific name is Malpighia Glabra, Malpighia Punicifolia or Malpighia and research has found that the concentration of vitamin C in acerola ranges between 600 and 2000 mg per 100 grams of the edible part, which represents between 10% and 30% of the dry substance of the fruit. This concentration of vitamin C is 12 to 40 times higher than that found in oranges and 9 to 30 times higher than that found in kiwifruit.

where is it grown?

Acerola grows well in tropical and subtropical regions where there is sun. It proliferates in South America, especially in Peru, the Caribbean, Venezuela and Brazil and is known to have many benefits due to its properties. In Brazil, it is consumed as an energizing juice and in the traditional medicine of the indigenous communities of the Amazon it is used in powder form.

Ideal conditions for consumption

Acerola can be consumed in different ways, including fresh consumption. However, it stands out for its acidity and its most common forms of consumption are in juices, jams, ice creams, jellies or liqueurs. It is also found in food supplements. When buying them, it is better to choose the greenest ones, since they contain less sugar and provide more vitamin C.

Nutritional value (per 100 grams)

• Energy value: 32 Kcal

• Protein: 0.6 g

• Carbohydrates: 5.0 g

• Lipids: 0.3 g

• Vitamin C: 1000 mg

• β-carotene: 0,450 mg

where to buy acerola in Madrid?

In Frutas Charito you can find the best genre of acerolas and at a good price. We are a traditional fruit shop in Madrid and we guarantee quality in each and every one of our products.

Recipes with acerola

Acerola can be eaten raw, fresh or incorporated into many sweet and savory recipes. It is worth mentioning acerola juice, acerola jam, acerola chocolates or acerola jelly, among others.

Acerola jam

Ingredients:

• 1 kg acerola leaves
• 1/2 kg sugar
• 1 lemon
• Vanilla essence

Preparation:

• Wash the acerolas and cut them into pieces.
• Put the acerolas in a bowl and let stand together with the sugar, lemon juice and vanilla essence.
• Put the mixture in a saucepan and cook for 20 minutes. Mash well and store in a jar.