Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) is often called the acerola cherry or Barbados cherry, but botanically it is not a cherry and not even related to one. The evergreen shrub comes from Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America; today it is grown mainly in Brazil.
One of the richest fruits in vitamin C
Depending on ripeness, fresh acerola fruits contain many times the vitamin C of an orange – values in the region of one gram per 100 grams of fruit have been documented. What is remarkable: the content is highest in the half-ripe, still greenish fruit and decreases as it ripens fully. That is why fruit for powder is harvested earlier than fruit for eating fresh.
Why you won’t find it fresh here
Ripe acerola is extremely soft and spoils within a few days – transport to Europe is practically impossible. It is therefore processed immediately after harvest: juiced, gently dried and ground into powder. How much of the original vitamin C survives the journey into the capsule depends largely on the drying temperature.
Natural or synthetic?
Chemically, ascorbic acid from acerola is identical to synthetically produced ascorbic acid. The difference lies in the accompanying matrix: the fruit powder also contains flavonoids, carotenoids and other plant compounds that are missing from the pure substance. On the other hand, the amounts in fruit powder are naturally lower and vary. Both have their place – if you want the fruit, take acerola; if you want an exact dose, take a pure supplement.
Our acerola
Our organic acerola vitamin C contains acerola fruit powder from certified organic cultivation in plant-based capsules, without fillers. You will find it under Vitamins and Immune System. Vitamin C is often taken together with iron because it improves iron absorption from plant sources – you will find both combined in Iron + Vitamin C.
Note
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet. Do not exceed the stated daily dose. If you have kidney stones or a pre-existing condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medication, seek medical advice before use.
