Camu Camu
Myrciaria dubiaA small, sour fruit from the Amazon, known for its very high vitamin C content. Because it is so sour, it is not eaten fresh; it is mostly used as a powder or in juice.
What Is Camu Camu?
Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a small reddish-purple fruit from a shrub that grows in the wetlands of the Amazon basin. It is known as one of the fruits with the highest vitamin C content in the world.
Because the fruit is very sour, it is not well suited to eating fresh on its own; it is therefore usually dried and powdered or added in small amounts to juice and desserts. The powder is used to add a tart, vitamin C-rich ingredient to drinks and blends.
Nutritional Values of Camu Camu
As a fresh fruit, camu camu is low in calories, with about 30 kcal per 100 g; its most notable feature is its very high vitamin C content, and it also provides water and plant compounds. The values are approximate and based on a similar profile.
How Should Camu Camu Be Used?
Camu camu is used in small amounts in drinks and blends as a sour fruit and source of vitamin C. In powdered form, it is used as part of a balanced diet.
This information is general; camu camu is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Camu Camu
Camu camu is usually sold as a powder; good powder has a natural color, smells clean, and is free of clumps. If choosing fresh fruit, select plump, brightly colored, undamaged specimens.
- The powder should have a natural color and be free of clumps.
- It should smell clean and not be damp.
- Fresh fruit should be plump and undamaged.
How to Store Camu Camu
Store camu camu powder in a sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place; moisture and light reduce its quality. Fresh fruit spoils very quickly, so it is used by freezing it or processing it promptly.
Using Camu Camu in the Kitchen
Camu camu powder is used in small amounts in smoothies, juice, yogurt, and dessert blends; the fresh fruit is used in juice, sorbet, and jam. Because it is very sour, it is usually added in small amounts and balanced with sweet ingredients.
How to Use Camu Camu Powder
Stir less than a 5 ml measure of powder into a smoothie or drink; because it is sour and concentrated, add it gradually, tasting as you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is camu camu so sour?
Its high acid and vitamin C content give it a pronounced tartness; for this reason, it is used more often in powder and drinks, balanced with other ingredients, than eaten fresh.
Is fresh camu camu available?
The fresh fruit is more readily available in the regions where it grows; elsewhere in the world, it is mostly sold as dried powder or frozen pulp.
What does camu camu taste like?
It has a very tart, slightly astringent taste; for this reason, it is used in sweet drinks and blends rather than on its own.