Of the fruit trees there are many species that we do not know and fruits that we are depriving ourselves of trying, which is a shame, because it is not difficult to find variants of fruits that are interesting for health and that, in addition, are a culinary delight. Unless you are a declared fruit lover, you are most likely unaware of the existence of acerola or, at least, you did not know that there are different varieties of acerola.
From the common Acerolo, to the chinese acerola, white acerola and the red acerolaIn this article we want to show you all of them, so that you are encouraged to try their fruit. They are not suitable for all palates, it must also be said. But if you know how to pick them at the right moment of ripeness when they are on the tree, you may discover a delicacy.
Are you open to trying new things? Well, pay attention to everything we are going to tell you about acerola, its characteristics and properties. In addition, we will share with you some curiosities about this very charismatic fruit.
What is acerola
Acerolo is a tropical fruit which comes from American lands, mainly from Central America and South America. It receives other curious names such as acerola cherry o from Barbados, although its flavor is not as sweet and appetizing as that of the cherry, making it a less popular fruit than this.
Do you like the sweet and sour flavor? Then you will find this fruit interesting, because it has a flavor like this, between sour and sweet that sweetens more as the fruit is more ripe.
What you should know is that, from a nutritional point of view, acerola has many properties to take into account. Also, since there are different varieties of acerolo, you are sure to find a variety that you like best. Next, let's see what these varieties are.
chinese steel
El chinese acerola It is a very beautiful evergreen tree, with an intense green color in its foliage and a reddish color as it ages that gives it a wonderful appearance, like the woman who dyes her hair with highlights to give it glamor and greater presence. It comes from China.
white steel
El white acerola It originates from southern Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East. It is small in size, barely reaching 5 meters in height. It produces white flowers forming corymbs and hence its name.
The fruits of the white acerola are small, between 1 and 2 centimeters. It has a light green color and three seeds inside. The pulp is very fleshy.
red acerolo
When you see the fruit of the red acerola you think that you have a small miniature apple in your hands. Although its flavor is quite different and is more like a plum, slightly bittersweet.
The red acerola has green leaves that turn orange when autumn arrives. While its flowers, which appear between April and May, are white. You will be able to eat their fruit at the end of September, when they are already at an optimal level of ripening.
The legend of the acerola
There are trees, flowers and fruits that are the subject of legends and the acerola is one of them. It tells of a beautiful love story as the origin of this fruit tree. The protagonists are two young Chinese people named Shiliu and Baijing. She was of great beauty and the emperor was infatuated with having her. The governor, wishing to flatter her, decided that taking her to her palace would be an excellent gift from her, so he decided to kidnap her and take her to the emperor.
The young woman did not want to be unfaithful to her lover and refused to have concubine relations with the emperor under excuses. While Beijing was waiting for her for days, from the top of the mountain and anxiously seeing the capital. The young man ended up becoming a tree that, since then, was called after him.
The young woman managed to escape but from the disgust of seeing what had happened to her lover she began to cry hugging her tree until she fell into a coma and did not wake up again. A tree also came out of it, with beautiful red fruits.
The enraged emperor wanted that tree to be called “Shanzha”, whose meaning is “mountain scum”. However, the people, who were very fond of the girl, decided to call him with a name that is pronounced similarly, although it has a totally different meaning and that refers to the acerola tree. And until today, that is what she is still called.
Can I grow acerola trees?
If you like gardening or have farmland and admire beautiful fruit trees, the question you will be eager to have answered is whether it is possible. grow acerola trees on your land. The answer is yes, if your climate is hot and humid you could consider having them.
In addition, some varieties are suitable for colder areas or even drought, so it will depend on the type of Acerolo whether it can accept some climatic zones or others.
Apart from adapting to different climatic conditions, acerola is a resistant species, so it will not give you many problems regarding pests and diseases.
Another advantage or a compelling reason for you to decide to grow acerola trees is that, taking into account that there are different varieties, each one produces fruit at a certain time of the year, so you could have a harvest practically throughout the entire year.
It must be added that its fruit has many properties, among others, it favors the digestive system and helps digest fats. It is also good for fighting bad cholesterol and improving blood circulation. Eating acerolos takes care of your heart. Although you can also prepare an infusion and drink it every day to notice these beneficial effects.
In addition, it helps you fall asleep and reduce anxiety and stress. At the same time, its vitamin C content strengthens the immune system and the collagen it contains is good for the liver, skin and connective tissues.
Finally, its antioxidants help prevent degenerative diseases.
However, you should not eat acerola raw, but rather as an infusion or its ripe fruit, because it has tannic acid which can be harmful to the stomach if consumed raw. These are the existing varieties of acerola and everything you need to know about them.