BARBADOS / ACEROLA CHERRY TREE- Vitamin C

Plant (SP)

Barbados Cherry 'Florida Sweet'

Acerola or Barbados Cherry is native to the Caribbean islands and northern South America.
It is high in vitamin C content and many C supplements labeled as natural are made of
acerola.
Barbados cherries can be eaten fresh, as a juice either alone or in a mixture, made into
jellies, jams, or preserves. The fruit is also widely used in the health food industry as a source
of vitamin C.
An explosion of interest occured in the 1950's when the extraordinarily high ascorbic acid
content was confirmed. This along with the fruit's attractiveness and superior eating quality
led to 1,000's of acres being planted in Puerto Rico, Florida, Hawaii, and elsewhere. Many
vitamin C products from the fruits were promoted by health food outlets. Enthusiasm
subsided, however, when a synthetic and much cheaper form of ascorbic acid became
available.
There can be three to five crops per year depending on climate. The trees up for auction are
mature enough to bloom at any time. Older trees can withstand temperatures to 28 degrees.
Small trees to 20 feet in height. Does well as a potted plant that can be brought indoors.
The auction is for one plant. It is a desirable named variety: 'Florida Sweet.' It has good
tasting sweet fruit. It will be shipped in its 6 oz. 3" deep pot.