Acerola | Hawthorn Berry

Acerola | Hawthorn Berry

Common Name: Acerola, Hawthorn Berry 

Binomial Nomenclature: Malpighia punicifolia

Culinary Use: Ripe fruit is eaten out of hand or cooked, strained to remove seeds, and used with added sugar to make syrup or jelly.

Medicinal Use: Antioxidant, very rich in vitamin C.

Fun Fact: Attracts butterflies and birds. Host plant for caterpillars of several butterfly species.