Acerola Cherry Could Be New Opportunity for Florida Fruit Growers

Did you know the Acerola cherry is not really a cherry at all? Otherwise known as the Barbados cherry, the nutritious “cherry-like” superfruit thrives in the Caribbean, Mexico, as well as parts of Central and South America. Does the Acerola cherry have potential to be an alternative crop for fruit growers in Florida? Scientists are digging deeper to find out.

University of Florida researchers are working with a Brazilian colleague to see if they can advance the genetic understanding of the acerola cherry and grow it in the Sunshine State.

Acerola cherries are rich sources of vitamin C, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

“These nutritional benefits have elevated Acerola to superfood status, making it marketable for fresh consumption, desserts, supplements, or juice” says Felipe Ferrao, a UF/IFAS Assistant Research Scientist leading the project. “They can contain up to 100 times more vitamin C than oranges, making them a powerful candidate for enhancing and supplementing our diet.”

As part of the project, scientists are trying to grow Acerola cherry in three major field trials around Florida: at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Center in Citra, at a farm in Pierson, and at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead.

Through these trials, researchers are trying to find out if different types of acerola perform well under varying climates, soil types, and management systems. Their research will lay the groundwork for future production across the state.

“Our central goal is to determine the best regions and practices for growing Acerola, while understanding how climate conditions influence fruit quality and nutritional value,” Ferrao says.

Beyond its nutritional benefits, acerola also has the potential to help mitigate the ongoing crisis in citrus production and become an alternative crop for local producers.

“As citrus and avocado growers struggle, it’s critical that UF/IFAS help farmers grow more emerging crops,” Ferrao adds. “With approximately 90% of oranges grown in Florida used for making orange juice, growers could take advantage of the existing citrus juice infrastructure and make Acerola juice.”

The research group believes the integration of better management, genomic tools, and breeding techniques can accelerate the identification of acerola plants that meet the current demand of fruits with unique flavor attributes, higher yield, and high nutritional values.

“We envision acerola could as a viable crop for agricultural future, contributing to economic growth and food security,” Ferrao concludes.