Is it Safe to Eat Barbados Cherry? The Ultimate Guide

Native to the Americas, the Barbados cherry, or acerola, is renowned for having up to 65 times more vitamin C than an orange. This fact makes it a nutrient powerhouse, but many people question the safety of consuming this tropical fruit, especially its seeds.

Quick Summary

The Barbados cherry (acerola) is safe to eat when ripe and offers exceptional vitamin C and antioxidant benefits. Precautions include avoiding the potentially toxic seeds and not overconsuming, which can lead to digestive issues due to high vitamin C intake. Safe consumption practices and potential risks are outlined.

Key Points

• Edible Fruit: The fleshy, ripe Barbados cherry is safe to eat, offering high vitamin C and antioxidant content.

• Discard Seeds: The seeds contain amygdalin, which can become toxic cyanide if chewed or crushed; always remove them.

• Potential Side Effects: Overconsumption, particularly of supplements, can lead to digestive issues like nausea or diarrhea due to high vitamin C.

• High Vitamin C: This fruit is a nutritional powerhouse, containing significantly more vitamin C than oranges.

• Consult a Doctor: If you have kidney issues, are on blood thinners, or take cancer medication, talk to a healthcare provider before taking acerola supplements.

• Handle with Care: The fruit is highly perishable and bruises easily, so it's best to consume it soon after harvesting.

Understanding the Barbados Cherry and its Edibility

Often called acerola, West Indian cherry, or Antilles cherry, the Barbados cherry ($Malpighia emarginata$) is a small, bright red fruit that grows on a shrub. Unlike the common sweet cherry ($Prunus avium$) belonging to the rose family, the Barbados cherry comes from the Malpighiaceae family, which is unrelated. Its high vitamin C content makes it a popular ingredient in juices, supplements, and other food products.

The Edible Fruit and Inedible Seeds

The fleshy part of the Barbados cherry fruit is perfectly safe to consume and can be eaten raw when ripe. The seeds, however, should be discarded. Like other stone fruits, the seeds contain a compound called amygdalin, which can be converted into hydrogen cyanide if chewed or crushed. While accidental ingestion of a few whole seeds is unlikely to cause harm, chewing or crushing them can lead to toxicity. Always remove and discard the seeds before eating the fruit or incorporating it into recipes.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While the Barbados cherry fruit itself is safe, certain considerations should be kept in mind, particularly concerning its extremely high vitamin C concentration. Excessive intake, often associated with supplements rather than the fruit itself, can cause side effects. The recommended upper limit for vitamin C for adults is 2,000 mg per day. Consuming beyond this amount can lead to digestive discomfort.

• Digestive Upset: High doses of vitamin C can cause nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Moderating intake is key, and most people can enjoy the fruit without issue.
• Kidney Stones: In individuals who are prone to kidney stones, consuming extremely high amounts of vitamin C could potentially increase the risk by raising oxalate levels in the urine.
• Medication Interactions: As with any supplement, acerola can interfere with certain medications. It may affect the effectiveness of blood thinners like Warfarin and certain cancer treatments. It can also increase the absorption of estrogens.
• Allergies: Though rare, some individuals, particularly those with a latex allergy, may have an allergic reaction to acerola.

Comparison: Barbados Cherry vs. Common Cherry

Feature	Barbados Cherry ($Malpighia emarginata$)	Common Cherry ($Prunus avium$)
Family	Malpighiaceae	Rosaceae
Vitamin C Content	Extremely high, up to 65x more than an orange.	Lower vitamin C content.
Seeds	Seeds contain amygdalin; inedible.	Pit contains amygdalin; inedible if crushed.
Flavor	Sweet-tart, sometimes more acidic when unripe.	Varied, from sweet (Bing) to sour (Montmorency).
Shelf Life	Highly perishable, lasts only a few days after harvest.	Better shelf life, especially with proper handling and refrigeration.
Common Uses	Juices, jams, jellies, and supplements due to high vitamin C.	Eaten fresh, pies, jams, and desserts.

How to Safely Enjoy Barbados Cherry

1. Select Ripe Fruit: Barbados cherries are at their peak flavor and safety when fully ripe. The fruit will be bright red and slightly soft to the touch.
2. Wash and Handle Carefully: The fruit has delicate, thin skin that bruises easily. Wash gently and use as soon as possible after picking or buying.
3. Remove the Seeds: Always discard the hard seeds before eating. For smoothies or juices, a powerful blender can sometimes crush the seeds, so it is safer to remove them manually first.
4. Eat in Moderation: The fresh fruit is a healthy addition to a balanced diet. Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid excessive vitamin C intake, particularly if you also consume vitamin C supplements.
5. Utilize in Recipes: The fruit is excellent for making jams, jellies, sauces, or adding a tangy flavor to smoothies and juices.

A Note on Barbados Cherry Supplements

Due to its powerful antioxidant and vitamin C content, the Barbados cherry is widely used in supplements. The supplement industry often uses acerola cherry powder for its health-boosting properties. When considering supplements, be sure to use products from reputable manufacturers and follow the recommended dosages to avoid potential side effects from excessive vitamin C. Always consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.

Conclusion: The Safe and Nutritious Tropical Treat

In conclusion, the answer to the question "is it safe to eat Barbados cherry?" is a resounding yes, with a few sensible precautions. The fruit of the Barbados cherry is a delicious and incredibly healthy addition to your diet, famous for its potent vitamin C and antioxidant content. To ensure safe consumption, simply remember to discard the seeds, eat the ripe fruit in moderation, and be mindful of potential interactions if you take supplements or medications. Enjoy this tropical superfruit fresh, juiced, or in various culinary creations for a vibrant and nutritious treat. For more information, please visit the University of Florida's IFAS Extension blog on Growing Barbados Cherry.

Sources

• What are the health benefits of Barbados cherries? [Online].
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• Are Cherry Pits Safe to Eat? Cyanide Content and More [Online].
• Acerola: 4 Benefits, Uses, Nutrition, and Risks - Health [Online].
• Acerola - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD [Online].
• Acerola Cherry: Vitamin C, Fruit, Powder, and Benefits [Online].
• Barbados Cherries (Acerola) Information and Facts [Online].
• One Barbados Cherry contains as much Vitamin C as a whole ... [Online].
• Barbados Cherries (Acerola) Information and Facts [Online].
• Barbados Cherries - Have A Plant [Online].
• Malpighia emarginata (Acerola) - Gardenia.net [Online].
• Growing Barbados Cherry in Florida - UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County [Online].
• Barbados Cherries (Acerola): All You Need To Know About This ... [Online].
• Acerola: 4 Benefits, Uses, Nutrition, and Risks - Health [Online].

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Barbados cherries and acerola cherries the same fruit?

Yes, Barbados cherry is another name for the acerola cherry. It is also sometimes referred to as the West Indian cherry or Antilles cherry.

Can children safely eat Barbados cherries?

Yes, the fruit of the Barbados cherry is safe for children to eat, but an adult should always remove the inedible seeds first.

What happens if you accidentally swallow a whole Barbados cherry seed?

Accidentally swallowing a whole seed is unlikely to cause harm. The hard exterior protects the toxic compound inside, and it will typically pass through the digestive system intact.

What does a Barbados cherry taste like?

Barbados cherries have a juicy, sweet-tart flavor, sometimes with a citrus-like tang. The ripeness level affects the taste, with unripe fruits being more acidic.

Can Barbados cherries interfere with medications?

High doses, especially from supplements, can interact with blood thinners like Warfarin, certain cancer drugs, and estrogens. Always consult your doctor if you take medication.

What is the best way to eat a Barbados cherry?

The fresh, ripe fruit can be eaten directly, but it is also excellent when processed into juices, jams, or sauces. Always discard the seeds first.

Do all varieties of Barbados cherry have high vitamin C content?

While the high vitamin C content is a defining feature, the exact concentration can vary depending on the variety, ripeness, and growing conditions. Unripe fruits tend to have a higher vitamin C level.