Acerola

What Is Acerola?

Acerola is a small, red fruit resembling a cherry in appearance, native to the Caribbean and Central-South America. It is also known as "Barbados cherry," but it has no botanical relation to true cherries.

Its best-known trait is that, relative to its weight, it is one of the fruits with the highest vitamin C content in the world; for this reason it is usually sold not fresh, but as a powdered extract supplement product.

Nutritional Value of Acerola

100 grams of fresh acerola contains about 32 kcal of energy; it carries very high vitamin C, according to some sources dozens of times that of an orange. Values vary with ripeness and processing method and are approximate.

How Should Acerola Be Consumed?

Acerola is consumed as part of a balanced diet, generally in the form of powdered extract, in moderate amounts.

This information is general; acerola is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. People taking high-dose vitamin C supplements are advised to take their total intake into account.

How to Choose Acerola?

Since fresh acerola is not found in Turkey, when buying powdered extract, choose a product whose ingredient list states the acerola ratio and has few unnecessary additives.

• The acerola ratio/vitamin C amount in the powdered extract should be stated on the label
• The packaging should not have absorbed moisture or clumped
• It should be bought from a reputable brand

How to Store Acerola?

Powdered acerola extract can be stored for a long time in a closed container in a dry, dark cupboard; fresh fruit spoils very quickly, so it needs to be processed rapidly after harvest.

Using Acerola in the Kitchen

Acerola is most often used in smoothies, juice blends, and as a powdered-extract addition to drinks; in regions where fresh fruit is available, it is also eaten raw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acerola really come from a cherry?

No; although its name includes "cherry," acerola belongs to a different plant family unrelated to true cherries. The resemblance is only in appearance.

Does acerola powder do the same job as synthetic vitamin C supplements?

Both provide vitamin C; since acerola powder is naturally sourced, it may also carry the fruit's other plant compounds, though there may be differences in dosage and absorption.

Is acerola found in Turkey?

Fresh fruit is not found; powdered extract can be found through supplement food and gourmet market channels.