Description
The Barbados cherry tree is an evergreen that reaches a height of about 3.6 metres. In the summer flowers are pink or rosy, 2 cm (almost one inch) in diameter, and grow in clusters of three to five from the leaf axils. The red fruit is a cherry-sized drupe.
Varieties
Acid and sweet are the two main types. While Florida Sweet, Manoa Sweet, and Hawaiian Queen are sweet, B17 and Red Jumbo are acidic varieties.
Uses
For health benefits, consume the acerola plant’s berries or fruits. Its flavor is frequently characterized as being sweet, aromatic, and astringent. It is simple to consume fresh or prepared in dishes.
Nutrition
When eaten as food, acerola also has significant levels of the vitamins and minerals includes Niacin (vitamin B-3), Vitamin B-1, thiamine, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and riboflavin (vitamin B-2).
Cultivation
Because shade will decrease yield, acerola loves full sun. Because they are sensitive to the cold, young plants may require some winter protection. During flower and fruit development, adequate watering is required; in times of drought, it will switch to a deciduous habit.
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