Malpigia pomegranate Malpighia glabra L. is also called acerola or Barbados cherry. This tropical plant is found in Central America and the northern part of South America. Acerola is a low tree or a shrub (2-3 m) with dark evergreen leaves and flexible twigs. The plant blooms pink or red.The fruits are small (they grow to 1-3 cm), red, slightly flattened, juicy and sour, with a thin skin with three angular parts marked.They resemble cherries, but inside there are three seeds.
Acerola requires fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 and a sunny position. Avoid excessive moisture - flooding the roots. Shiny dark green leaves can drop
in the period of drought and cold weather, but under favorable conditions, foliage quickly rebuilds. For the winter, it is best to place the plant in a cooler place so that it can go dormant.
At home, it is possible to obtain fruit on 3-4-year-old bushes.Fruits rich in antioxidants are one of the richest sources of vitamin C (they contain over 10 times more than black currant).In addition, they boast significant amounts of vitamin A and iron, vitamins B1 and B2, niacin PP, protein, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese and malic acid.
The unique chemical composition of the fruit increases the effect of vitamin C, stimulates the production of antibodies, strengthens the body, is anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic. In addition, fruits help neutralize free radicals, detoxify the body of toxins, relieve symptoms of stress, lower cholesterol levels, have a diuretic effect, strengthen blood vessels.
Growing acerola
In a natural environment - hot climate, acerola blooms and bears fruit all year round, in cooler regions it only bears fruit from May to December.In Poland it can only be grown indoors in pots.Young plants are damaged by frost, although older plants can withstand temperatures of -2 ° C. The shrubs have both decorative and utility values. The plant easily adapts to the growing conditions.
The fruits ripen quickly after the harvest and are not suitable for long storage (3-5 days). They are eaten raw with sugar or in the form of preserves.They are used in pharmaceuticals for the production of preparations containing natural vitamin C.There are preparations with acerola on sale: teas, dried fruit, tablets. It is worth consuming them especially in the period of increased demand for vitamin C. Moreover, acerola is especially recommended for the elderly, smokers, residents of big cities and all those exposed to long-term stress.
