Acerola

The “Barbados cherry” is a fruit with a record vitamin C content – dozens of times higher than an orange.

A shrub or small tree of the Malpighiaceae family, growing to 3–6 m, with small, glossy leaves and pink flowers with frilly petals. The fruits are bright red, juicy, cherry-sized drupes with a tart flavour, each containing three hard seeds. They are among the richest sources of vitamin C of any fruit in the world. The species comes from Central America and the Caribbean and tolerates drought and limestone soils well.

Significance in the country

Its English name, “Barbados cherry”, has firmly tied this fruit to the island; the little tree grows in many Barbadian gardens, and its fruit goes into juices, jams and home-made drinks.

Where it grows

Across the whole island, mainly in home gardens and small orchards.

More: Wikipedia (en)