In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Are Acerola Cherries, Exactly?Acerola Cherry NutritionWhy Is Acerola So Popular?
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Are Acerola Cherries, Exactly?
Acerola Cherry Nutrition
Why Is Acerola So Popular?
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Photo: Getty / Premyuda Yospim
Trader Joe’s has such a pulse on food trends that they often create them.Everything But the Bagel Seasoningorcauliflower gnocchi, anyone? So when they started peppering their shelves with acerola products—including Organic Acerola Puree andAbsolutely Acerola Juice Shot—our ears perked up, and we put our investigator hats on.
Acerola cherries are one ofthe most potent sources of ascorbic acid, a natural form of vitamin C, and also offer a good amount of phytonutrients like carotenoids, flavonoids and anthocyanins that may play a role in chronic disease prevention. The fruit grows on trees in Texas, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, India and other areas with consistently warm temps.
According to the USDA,1 cup of acerola juicehas 56 calories, 1 gram of protein, 12 g of carbs (including 11 g of sugar) and 1 g of fat. It also has 3,870(!) milligrams of vitamin C. This is far more than the 84 mg of vitamin C ina cup of orange juice.One cup of acerola cherrieshas 24 times more vitamin C thanone large orange.
Similar to OJ, we’re guessing that acerola is getting a big boost from those seeking immune support. Reminder: No specific foods, supplements or micronutrients can protect you from bacteria or viruses that can make you sick, but a well-fueled body tends to bounce back from illness quickly.
The vitamins and phytonutrients in acerola have been linked to lower cancer risk, better blood sugar control and other body-beneficial qualities, but like with all edible, drinkable or supplemental things, acerola cherries are not a cure-all. Your overall lifestyle habits matter the most. (And don’t begin a new supplement regimen without talking to your doctor first.)
So here atEatingWell, we’ll happily blend TJ’s acerola puree into smoothie recipes for a flavor and vitamin C boost. But we’ll also definitely still be regularly washing our hands, wearing sunscreen on our walks, and getting enough sleep to support our immune system.
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