Richest natural sources of ascorbic acid, and very high vitamin C content, acerola cherry can be considered as a superfruit. Typically being grown in warm and tropical climate, acerola cherry also known as Barbados cherry, hen ripe has a orange red to bright red colour.
Acerola cherries are generally sweet with a hint of tartness. Unripe green acerola cherries have more vitamin C content that ripe acerola cherries.
Average diameter of acerola cherry / Barbados cherry is 3.5 cm (1.5 inches). Average length of an acerola cherry / Barbados cherry is 2.5 cm( 1 inch ). Average weight of acerola cherry ranges from 5 – 7 grams ( 0.17 – 0.24 ounces).
Scientific name of Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry
Malpighia Emarginata / Malpighia glabra
Other names of Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry
- West Indian Cherry
- Barbados Cherry
- Puerto Rican Cherry
- Antilles Cherry
- Cereso
- Semeruco
- Cerisier
- Cereza
Calories by source in Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry
- Calories by carbohydrate in Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry = 88%
- Calories by fat in Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry = 8%
- Calories by protein in Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry = 4%
Fats and Fatty Acid profile of Acerola
- Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry = 37%
- Saturated fat (SFA) in Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry = 29%
- Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry = 34%
Nutrition facts of Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 32 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.3 | GRAM | 0% |
| Protein | 0.4 | GRAM | 1% |
| Carbohydrate | 7.69 | GRAM | 3% |
Detailed vitamin profile of Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart.
Detailed mineral profile of Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart.
Check freshness in Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry
- Unripe acerola cherry is green in colour (unripe cherry has more Vitamin C content than a ripe acerola cherry)
- Ripe acerola cherry is red to dark red in colour
- Should not be squishy. Should be dense and heavy for its size
- Select a firm acerola cherry with few to no bruises
- Old acerola cherry will mostly have its stem missing
Availability of Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry
- Barbados – Acerola season ranges from March – August
- Zanzibar Island – Acerola season ranges from December – January
- USA – Acerola season ranges from May – December
- Hawaii – Acerola season ranges from May – December
- Puerto Rico – Acerola season ranges from May – December
- Bahamas – Acerola season ranges from May – December
How to store Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry
- Ripe acerola / barbados cherry can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days
- Ripe acerola / barbados cherry can be stored in refrigerator for 1-2 weeks ( ventilated container is preferred for storage)
- You can wash the acerola / barbados cherry before storing it in the refrigerator
- Acerola / Barbados cherry can be stored in freezer for up-to 2 months
Complete nutrition facts of Acerola Cherry / Barbados Cherry
Click on the link HERE to download high quality, high resolution and print ready PDF version of the Acerola nutrition chart/infographic.
