TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A “superfruit” that thrives in the Caribbean, South and Central America and is valued for its health benefits could be Florida’s newest crop.
Researchers at the University of Florida are collaborating with a Brazilian colleague to advance the genetic understanding of Acerola, also known as the Barbados cherry, and cultivate it in the Sunshine State.
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences said the cherries are rich sources of vitamin C, carotenoids, anthocyanins and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
“These nutritional benefits have elevated acerola to superfood status, making it marketable for fresh consumption, desserts, supplements or juice,” said Felipe Ferrao, who’s leading the project for UF/IFAS. “They can contain up to 100 times more vitamin C than oranges, making them a powerful candidate for enhancing and supplementing our diet.”…