Barbados Cherry

Malpighia emarginata is a tropical fruit-bearing shrub or small tree in the family Malpighiaceae. Common names include Barbados cherry, Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry and wild crapemyrtle. Barbados cherry is native from Southern Mexico, Central and South America, but now being also grown as far North as Texas and in subtropical areas – Asia and India. It is known for being extremely rich in vitamin C although it also contains vitamins A, B1, B2 and B3 as well as carotenoids and bioflavonoids which provide very important nutritive value and a possible use as an antioxidant. This vitamin C produced by the fruit is better absorbed by human organisms than synthetic ascorbic acid.

Uses

As food
Close-up on the blossom and unripe fruits

The fruit is edible and widely consumed in the species' native area, and is cultivated elsewhere for its high vitamin C content. There are 1677.6 mg of vitamin C in 100 g of fruit.

* Fruit can be used to make juices and pulps, both very rich in vitamin C and antioxidants;
* Barbados cherry fruit can be used to produce vitamin C concentrate;
* Baby food and juice

A comparative analysis of antioxidant potency among a variety of frozen juice pulps was carried out, including the Barbados cherry fruit. Among the eleven fruits' pulps tested, Barbados cherry was the highest-scoring domestic fruit, meaning it had the most antioxidant potency, with a TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity) score of 53.2 mmol g.

Absolut Vodka released Absolut Los Angeles, a limited-edition spirit flavored with Barbados cherry, açai, pomegranate, and blueberry, in July 2008.

Chiquita's Strawberry-Banana C-Optima drink, sold in 4-packs of 125ml apiece in Belgium and Germany, advertises on its lid that it contains 3 Barbados cherrys and 200mg of Vitamin C.

Other uses

Barbados cherry is a popular bonsai subject because of its small leaf, fruit and fine ramification. It is also grown as an ornamental and for hedges.