Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) Fruit
Today we will be discussing one of the very important and famous Amazon Fruit Camu Camu which is also called as Myrciaria dubia . Amazonian Rainforest is home to thousands of fruit species, many of which are not commonly found outside the region. Camu Camu is a small, red fruit that is known for its high vitamin C content. It is commonly consumed as a juice or used in supplements.
Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) Fruit
Origin of Camu Camu
Camu Camu is native to the Amazonian lowlands of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.
Harvest of Camu Camu
- Harvested mainly from wild trees; the fruit has only recently been cultivated on a wide scale on the world market, with Japan being the major buyer
Fruit Description of Camu Camu
- It is highly acidic fruit that needs to be blended and sweetened before use
- It has a very unique and subtle aroma
- It has reddish skin pigmentation (probably anthocyanins) gives the juice an attractive pink color
- Volatile compounds are dominated by the terpenes alpha-pinene and d-limonene
Health Benefits of Camu Camu Fruits
- Very high Vitamin C content (3-4% of fresh weight)
- Contains the amino acids valine, leucine and serine
- Rich in flavonoids
- Also rich in iron, niacin, riboflavin, phosphorus, and potassium; presence of other micronutrients aids in absorption of vitamin C
