ABSTRACT
Acerola has been collected in southern Florida, but it is uncertain whether the plant is native to the state. Acerola is widely cultivated on a commercial scale in the tropics for fresh fruit and juice. The flavor of the sweet, red juicy pulp of acerola is reminiscent of raspberries, and when cooked, the fruit tastes like a tangy apple. Acerola is often eaten fresh in areas where it is cultivated, although it is too tart for many people. Acerola is one of the few native North American plants that are cultivated for fruit on a major scale. Acerola sauce or purée is employed as a topping on cake, pudding, ice cream, and fruit, and is used in gelatin desserts, punch, and sherbet. Acerola concentrates can now be found in many over-the-counter multivitamin supplements. Acerola has also been collected in southern Florida, but it is uncertain whether the plant is native to the state.
