Acerola - Another Brazilian Superfruit

The acerola fruit is native to northern Brazil, Central America, and the Antilles.

Acerola fruits are round and similar to a cherry but with 3 distinct lobes. They are red in color with thin skin. The fruit is juicy, acid to sub-acid, and occasionally a sweet almost apple flavor. The fruit is high in Vitamin C. Unripe fruits have twice the Vitamin C level of ripe fruits. Acerola fruits develop to maturity in about a month's time.The best uses of acerola are direct eating, jellies and jams, and syrups. Fresh acerola juices, which are popular in much of South America, do not hold their taste characteristics for very long after they are squeezed, expect for freezing. The fruit can also be found in baby food, as a vitamin supplement source for Vitamin C, as an ice cream and pop-sickle ingredient, and in many home recipes.

In Rio, we have Juice Bars at almost every corner and close to the beach. It is a common habit to stop by and have a large glass of mixed fruits smoothie made with fresh fruits. It gives you a boost, wakes you up, and even helps getting a nicer tan.Acerola is one of the favorite fruits because of the high amount of Vitamin C and its anti-radical benefits.You can ask the "Bartender" to mix whatever you want, like some of my favorites below:

Mellon(fresh)/orange juice (fresh)/acerola (frozen pulp)
Orange juice (fresh)/carrots(fresh)/acerola (frozen pulp) - Now that's a vitamin C explosion and the Carotene helps getting a nice tan
Milk/strawberries (fresh)
Milk/banana(fresh)/oats - You won't be hungry for quite a while
Orange juice (fresh)/pineapple (fresh)

You can also ask for a bowl of fresh acai, another superfruit that is getting to be very famous in the US. Anything is valid! Mix and match, add or take. That's a great way to start your day and head to the beach, knowing your body is ready to spend an entire day in the sun, swimming, surfing, playing beach volley, and more!

Have fun!