Abstract

MEZADRI, Tatiana et al. El fruto de la acerola: composición y posibles usos alimenticios. ALAN [online]. 2006, vol.56, n.2, pp.101-109. ISSN 0004-0622.

Summary  The aim of this review is to characterize the acerola fruit, detailing its taxonomic, vegetative, composition and economic aspects. We also evaluate its possible use as functional ingredient in foods. Bibliographical data have been mainly supplied by Electronic Resources of the University of Seville and the University do Vale do Itajaí (Santa Catarina, Brazil). The acerola (Malpighia emarginata Sessé y Mociño ex DC) is a wild plant grown in zones of tropical and subtropical climate. Acerola is origin from South of Mexico, Central America and Septentrional area of South America. Its scientific name was adopted in 1986 by the International Council of Vegetable Genetic Resources. Malpighia emarginata has a subglobulose drupa fruit with three seeds which account between the 19 - 25% of the total weight. The diameter and weight of the fruit varies between 1 - 4 cm and 2 - 15 g, respectively. The fruit shows green color when it is developing, which changes to yellow and red tones when it is mature. The maturation happens in short time. The fructification period occur 3 - 4 times a year. Each plant produces annually 20 - 30 kg of fruits. This fruit contents macro and micronutrients: proteins (0,21 g/100 g), fats (0,23 g/100 g), carbohydrates (3,57 g/100 g), mineral salts (iron (0,24 mg/100 g), calcium (11,7 mg/100 g), phosphorus (17,1 mg/100g)) and vitamins (tiamine (0,02 mg/100 g), riboflavine (0,07 mg/100 g), piridoxine (8,7 mg/100 g)). Its high content in vitamin C (695 a 4827 mg/100 g) is remarkable, therefore acerola has an increasing economic value by its great consume during last years. Acerola also presents carotenoids and bioflavonoids which provide important nutritive value and its potential use as antioxidant. The composition of acerola vary according to geographic, agricultural and processing factors. Brazil has a climate and soil appropriate for the culture of acerola, thus this country is the main mundial productor. Acerola is commercialised as juices, jams, ices, gelatins, sweets or liquors. Due to the variability, it is useful for the trade to select and clone the most favourable types.

Keywords : acerola; Malpighia emarginata; taxonomy; vitamin C; anthocyanins; carotenoids; economic aspects; market.