The Barbados cherry, also known as Acerola, is a tropical fruit sought for its exceptional nutritional profile. This small, red fruit has one of the highest natural concentrations of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) found in any edible fruit. Consumers are drawn to this fruit as a natural source for immune support and antioxidant benefits, driving demand for both the harvested product and the plant.
Identifying the True Barbados Cherry
The plant is classified as Malpighia emarginata, though it is sometimes referenced as Malpighia glabra or West Indian cherry. It is not a true cherry but a drupe belonging to the Malpighiaceae family. The fruit is small, typically measuring one to three centimeters in diameter, with bright red skin when ripe.
The flavor profile is commonly tart or acidic, though some cultivated varieties can be subacidic to sweet. The fruit has three obscure lobes and a thin skin, contributing to its short post-harvest life. Its distinguishing factor is its unparalleled Vitamin C content, which can reach up to 4.5 grams per 100 grams of juice. This makes it potentially 50 times more potent than an orange, and it is often harvested when still green because the ascorbic acid level decreases as the fruit ripens.
Purchasing Options for Fresh Fruit and Consumable Products
Acquiring fresh Barbados cherry fruit is a challenge for consumers outside of tropical growing zones due to its extreme perishability. The thin skin and high juice content mean fresh fruit typically lasts only two to three days after picking. Finding the fresh fruit is highly unlikely unless you reside near a tropical farm or a specialized farmers’ market in a subtropical region.
The most accessible raw product is frozen acerola pulp or puree, which halts nutrient degradation and extends shelf life indefinitely. Consumers can find these frozen products through specialized online exotic fruit distributors and occasionally in the freezer section of health food or Asian specialty grocery markets. The pulp is often sold in convenient, individual-serving packs ideal for blending into smoothies.
For a shelf-stable option, processed forms are the easiest to source. Acerola is widely available as a freeze-dried powder or a juice concentrate, popular for use as a natural food additive or supplement ingredient. These powders retain the Vitamin C content and can be purchased from online bulk ingredient suppliers and supplement retailers. The powder is often used to fortify beverages and food products, leveraging its high nutrient density without refrigeration.
Sourcing and Growing the Plant
The second method of acquisition is purchasing a live plant for home cultivation, allowing for a continuous supply of fresh fruit. Live saplings and potted plants are available from online rare fruit nurseries specializing in tropical and subtropical species. These nurseries ship young trees directly to consumers in appropriate climates. Smaller starter plants or cuttings may also be found on online marketplaces sourced from small-scale growers.
Fresh seeds are also available online, but they must be planted quickly, as viability is lost rapidly after extraction. The Barbados cherry is a tropical to subtropical plant, thriving best in USDA Hardiness Zones 9B through 11, such as South Florida or parts of Southern California. In these regions, the plant can be installed directly into the ground, developing into a large shrub or small tree reaching six to fifteen feet tall.
Successful cultivation requires at least eight hours of full sun daily and well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5). Consistent watering is necessary, but the plant is prone to root rot, so the soil must never be waterlogged. In colder climates, the plant can be grown in a large container and moved indoors when temperatures drop below 30°F, as it is susceptible to frost damage.