Get to Know Acerola!

By: iTi Innovation

 

Superfoods aren’t going anywhere in 2017. In fact the list is only getting longer. What’s the latest superfood on the scene? Acerola, known today to be a natural source of Vitamin C.

 

Acerola, also known as a Barbados cherry or West Indian cherry, is a small, red fruit with a tart pulp.  Acerola has a distinctive flavor which is often described as a cross between a tart lime and a berry.  Historically, it was used to treat a host of ailments from inflammation to scurvy, but today it is known as a delicious natural source of Vitamin C.

 

Acerola can be used in a variety of applications. It is very common throughout the Caribbean and some South American countries, especially Brazil and Puerto Rico.  In Brazil, it is consumed at breakfast similarly to how Americans drink orange juice.  Brazilians often blend it with mango or pineapple juice.  iTi offers a 65 °Brix Acerola which is used as a natural replacement for ascorbic acid.  It produces the all-important and widely sought after “clean label” status.

 

Acerola can be incorporated into many products including ice cream, juice, soft drinks, nectars, jelly, gummy candies, fruit preserves and yogurt.  Acerola is a great addition to beverages. It blends particularly well with mango and pineapple juice because its tart flavor contrasts with the sweetness of these juices. Acerola can also be incorporated into smoothie mixes. The addition of acerola to finished products reduces the pH and increases the shelf life without imparting an overpowering citrus flavor.

 

iTi supplies both a single strength acerola juice from Brazil with a minimum Vitamin C content of 1500mg/100g (25 times the daily value) and an acerola concentrate at 65 °Brix with a minimum of 12,000mg/100g (200 times the daily value).  These products are prepared from carefully selected, sound, mature and unfermented fruit.  No preservatives, flavors or other additives are used.

 

Request a sample of one of our Acerola products today and see ‘What’s Possible with Tropical’.


Tags:  acerola Applications Innovation iTi products