Acerola

Believed to be native to the Yucatan, Acerola is a tropical fruit that grew in popularity when it was found that even just one ripe acerola has the potential to contain a full daily allotment of Vitamin C. Even more interesting is that a green or under-ripe fruit is said to contain twice the levels of Vitamin C as fully ripe fruit. Sadly, though, due to the difficulties found in storage and transportation of Acerola, it has become more popular for use in home gardening rather than commercial production. This fruit is small, round to oblate, averaging about one inch in diameter. It also has a thin, glossy skin that covers yellow-orange, soft, juicy pulp that is tart to sweet-tart and surrounds a number of seeds. This fruit is most well-known for being extremely rich in vitamin C, which in turn has the ability to protect and strengthen the skin like no other. As an antioxidant, this vitamin provides protection from free radicals and helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Applications for the processed fruit include ice creams, popsicles, and even baby food. Due to their tart flavor, these fruits are often paired with sweeter tropical fruits, such as bananas, in preparation.