Camu Camu

Camu Camu is a small cherry like fruit which grows on a riverside tree along the Amazon River. With an impressively high vitamin C content, camu camu is has become a highly south after fruit in both the United States and Europe. The camu camu tree produces small flowers with white petals that are waxy in nature. While abundant in the Amazon, ancient use of this highly nutritious fruit is certainly not known. While it is difficult to find this fruit in its raw form, the fruit pulp is becoming more popular in its dried form, and can be found in most health food stores.

Key Nutrients

Camu camu is considered a superfood, with the highest amount of Vitamin C when compared to any other food on the planet. Camu camu is also a great source of minerals such as calcium and iron.

Health Benefits

Iron –Iron, found in red blood cells, is an integral part of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the cells. Iron is an essential component of many enzymes necessary for various chemical reactions in the body.

Calcium – Calcium is an important mineral for bone and teeth growth and maintenance. It is also an important mineral in terms of cardiovascular function.

Vitamin C – Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infections and scavenges harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals. Vitamin C also helps to prevent respiratory problems such as asthma and lung cancer.

Vitamin C has been shown to lower blood pressure, and therefore lessen the probability of hypertension.

Season

Camu Camu can be found in any supermarket or food retail store year round.

Nutrition Information

Per 1 teaspoon (5 grams):

Calories (cKal): 20
Protein (grams): 0
Total Fat (grams): 0
Carbohydrates (grams): 4
Fiber (grams): 1

Buying and Storing

When buying camu camu, make sure it comes from a reputable supplier or supermarket. Since it is sold in a concentrated powder form, camu camu can store in your kitchen for up to one year, provided it is kept in a sealed container.

Best Way to Add to Diet

Camu Camu us best added to the diet as an addition to your favorite smoothie. Additionally, try adding a bit of camu camu to a breakfast parfait, dessert or baked good.