The Indigenous Fruit with the Highest Known Vitamin C Level

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

Boasting a vitamin C concentration up to 100 times greater than an orange, the Kakadu plum, an indigenous fruit of northern Australia, holds the world record for the highest known vitamin C content. This small, green fruit has been a traditional food and medicine source for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years, revered for its potent nutritional and healing properties.

Quick Summary

This article explores the Kakadu plum, an indigenous Australian fruit with the highest known vitamin C concentration. It details its impressive nutritional profile, traditional and modern uses, health benefits, and contrasts its potency with other vitamin C sources.

Key Points

Highest Vitamin C Source: The Kakadu plum, indigenous to northern Australia, possesses the highest known natural vitamin C content of any fruit, with levels up to 100 times greater than an orange.
Rich in Antioxidants: Beyond vitamin C, Kakadu plums are packed with other potent antioxidants like ellagic and gallic acid, which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
Nutrient-Dense Superfood: The fruit is also a good source of fiber, vitamin E, copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc, contributing to overall health and vitality.
Traditional and Modern Uses: For thousands of years, it has been used by Indigenous Australians for food and medicine; today, it is widely available as a freeze-dried powder for supplements and food.
Immune System Support: The extremely high vitamin C content provides powerful immune-boosting benefits, aiding the body's natural defense system against illness.
Avoid High Heat: To preserve the sensitive vitamin C content, Kakadu plum powder should be added to foods and drinks that are cool or room temperature, not cooked.
Skincare Benefits: The fruit's potent antioxidant properties are also utilized in skincare products to promote collagen production and protect against environmental damage.

Introducing the Kakadu Plum: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Often hailed as a 'superfood,' the Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) is an indigenous Australian fruit that has rightfully gained global recognition for its exceptional nutritional content. Native to the eucalypt woodlands of northern Australia, this small, almond-shaped fruit, also known as gubinge or billygoat plum, far exceeds the vitamin C levels of commonly known sources. A single fruit can provide a significantly higher amount of vitamin C than an entire orange, making it a powerful natural antioxidant. The fruit's potency is believed to be a result of its need to survive the harsh climates of its native habitat, which causes it to produce powerful protective antioxidants.

Traditional Use and Cultural Significance

For millennia, the Kakadu plum has been an integral part of the diet and medicine of Indigenous Australians. It was traditionally consumed raw and used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and headaches. The inner bark of the tree was also used for its antiseptic properties. This deep-rooted knowledge of the plant's medicinal and nutritional value highlights its cultural importance and the sustainable practices of the communities who harvest it. Today, Indigenous communities are central to the wild-harvesting of this fruit, with ethical sourcing ensuring a portion of the proceeds is returned to the communities.

Beyond Vitamin C: A Broader Nutritional Profile

While its vitamin C content is its most famous attribute, the Kakadu plum is rich in many other beneficial compounds. It contains a wealth of antioxidants, such as ellagic and gallic acid, which provide additional health-boosting effects. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to various chronic diseases. The fruit also contains significant levels of potassium, vitamin E, fiber, and trace minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc, all contributing to its 'superfood' status. The high fiber content aids digestion, while compounds like ellagic acid may also exhibit antimicrobial and prebiotic effects.

Comparison with Other High-Vitamin C Fruits

To put the Kakadu plum's vitamin C content into perspective, it's useful to compare it with other vitamin C powerhouses. While many fruits are celebrated for their vitamin C, none come close to the exceptional levels found in the Kakadu plum.


Fruit (per 100g)	Typical Vitamin C Content (mg)	Notes
Kakadu Plum	1,000–5,300	The highest natural source of vitamin C in the world.
Acerola Cherry	1,500–4,500	A close runner-up, but the average Kakadu plum still often contains more.
Rose Hips	~426	A very high source, but significantly less than the top two.
Guava	~125	A popular tropical fruit with a strong vitamin C presence.
Orange	~53	The well-known benchmark, dwarfed by the Kakadu plum's levels.

Modern Uses and How to Consume Kakadu Plum

Due to the challenges of transporting fresh, delicate fruit, the Kakadu plum is most often found in freeze-dried powder form. The powder retains its high vitamin C content and can be easily incorporated into daily diets. It is recommended to avoid heating the powder, as high temperatures can degrade the vitamin C.

Common consumption methods include:

Smoothies and Juices: Add a quarter to a half teaspoon of the powder for a zesty, tart flavor.
Yogurt and Cereals: Sprinkle over breakfast bowls for an antioxidant boost.
Desserts and Jams: Mix into recipes where it won't be cooked, like no-bake energy balls or a finishing touch on a fruit salad.
Dressings and Sauces: Create a tangy vinaigrette by mixing it with oil and lemon juice.

Conclusion

The Kakadu plum stands as the undisputed champion among indigenous fruits, holding the highest known vitamin C level of any fruit globally. Its unparalleled potency, combined with a rich profile of other antioxidants and minerals, makes it a true superfood with significant health benefits. From supporting the immune system and promoting skin health to fighting inflammation, this Australian native offers a natural and potent nutritional solution. As the Kakadu plum gains prominence in the health and wellness sphere, its importance to Indigenous Australian heritage and sustainable practices also comes into focus. Incorporating a small amount of this powerful fruit, typically in its powdered form, can provide a substantial vitamin C boost and contribute to overall vitality.

Outbound Link: For further information on the broader health benefits of fruits high in vitamin C, you can visit the Healthline article on Vitamin C foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana), an indigenous Australian fruit, contains the highest known natural concentration of vitamin C of any fruit in the world.

The vitamin C content in a Kakadu plum is dramatically higher than in an orange, with some reports stating it is up to 100 times more concentrated.

The Kakadu plum is native to the northern regions of Australia, thriving in the tropical eucalypt woodlands of areas like the Kimberley, Arnhem Land, and Kakadu National Park.

Yes, the fresh Kakadu plum fruit can be eaten raw. However, due to its tart, bitter, and sometimes salty taste, and limited availability, it is most often consumed as a powder in foods or supplements.

Beyond its high vitamin C, Kakadu plum offers potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits due to compounds like ellagic and gallic acid. It also contains fiber, vitamin E, and essential minerals, supporting immune function, skin health, and digestion.

Because fresh Kakadu plums are highly perishable and difficult to transport, they are most commonly available in freeze-dried powder form. This process helps preserve the fruit's nutritional potency.

Some studies suggest that naturally derived vitamin C, like that from acerola (which has a similar bioavailability to Kakadu plum), may be absorbed better by the body than synthetic ascorbic acid, especially when combined with other nutrients present in the fruit. The synergistic effect of the plum's multiple antioxidants and nutrients also provides broader health benefits.