Brazil's healthful plants, part três

The final leg (at least for now) of our healthy Brazilian food series will focus on a little known berry that is actually native to the West Indies but can also be seen growing wild and cultivated in Northeastern Brazil.  Brastilo introduces you to the acerola.

Often referred to as the Barbados cherry, the acerola is a red fruit that is largely consumed for its vitamin C content.  Interestingly, Wikipedia states that the berry is "sour as much as it is sweet".  And according to the California Rare Fruit Growers website, the acerola also has "a delicate flavor with apple notes".  So, I guess we can call the acerola the fine wine of berries.

And while nobody here has ever heard of the acerola, we believe it's the best kept secret.  According to Big in Japan, it's already being used in Japan as a cure for the common cold.  In Tokyo, vitamin C enriched acerola juices are already being sold in supermarkets....in really fun packaging!  You have to admit, you'd totally buy that over an Odwalla any day!

The Vitamin C from the acerola can also be used in supplement form.  One example we found on the web (but the legitimacy of the product is still unconfirmed), is Dr. Ben Kim's Acerola Cherry Powder which claims to help your skin and prevent hair loss as well as build your immune system.

So this really is a magic berry.  We'd expect nothing less from the berries cultivated in our precious natural forests.  And as always, Brastilo's use of wood sourced from specially selected sustainable forests helps protect the forests where acerola grows naturally. 

Another helpful tip from your friends at Brastilo.

Comments

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[Acai Juice Lover]

good post.Brazil has become the natural health spot giving us new fruits. have you tried Acai berry.. it so good.