As a processed fruit ingredient, acerola is growing in popularity. Dennick FruitSource has long-standing relationships with exceptional suppliers of this tropical fruit.
Flavorists are drawn to acerola but might not know that it is now grown in the United States. Native to South America, Central America, and Southern Mexico, acerola grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree and is now found as far north as southern Texas. Acerola is also known as Barbados cherry or West Indian cherry and has a rather earthy, sweet-sour flavor.
Acerola fruit is very rich in vitamin C; one serving can contain as much as 65 times as more than a same sized serving of orange. It also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and potassium, plus carotenoids and bioflavonoids. Acerola is packed with nutritive and antioxidant value, offering health benefits including reduced risk of heart disease and lower risk of hypertension. Acerola puree is a popular ingredient in processed foods, drinks, desserts, and other food products.