Surinam Cherry

Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora) is a distinctive tropical fruit native to South America, particularly Brazil. Also known as pitanga, Surinam cherry is celebrated for its distinctive ribbed appearance, bright red color, excellent vitamin C content (30% DV per 100g), and traditional wellness benefits.

Surinam cherry delivers excellent vitamin C (30% DV per 100g) for immune support, vitamin A (10% DV) for vision health, copper (7% DV) for immune function, folate (5% DV) for cell health, and comprehensive polyphenols for antioxidant protection. At 53 calories per 100g with low glycemic index (45), Surinam cherry provides exceptional nutritional benefits.

Surinam cherry is called pitanga, which comes from the indigenous Tupi language of Brazil, where the fruit originated. The term reflects the fruit's cultural significance in South American indigenous traditions and culinary history.

Yes, Surinam cherry is excellent for immune support with excellent vitamin C (30% DV per 100g), vitamin A (10% DV), comprehensive polyphenol and anthocyanin content, and copper (7% DV) for immune function. The comprehensive nutrient profile makes Surinam cherry highly effective for robust immune wellness.

Surinam cherry has a distinctive sweet-tart flavor with tropical notes and subtle complexity. The taste varies by variety: Brazilian varieties are very sweet with good tartness, Paraguayan varieties have balanced sweet notes, and Argentine varieties offer complex flavor with subtle spice undertones.

Surinam cherry has a low glycemic index of 45 and glycemic load of 5 per 100g serving. Combined with good fiber content (6% DV), this makes Surinam cherry suitable for blood sugar management, stable energy, and comprehensive metabolic wellness.

Fresh Surinam cherry berries are available at Latin American markets, specialty produce shops, and tropical fruit retailers, particularly during peak season (November-February). Year-round options include frozen Surinam cherry berries, Surinam cherry juice, Surinam cherry jam, and Surinam cherry products from specialty retailers and South American online vendors.

Eat fresh Surinam cherry raw by removing the seed or consuming whole if you prefer. The distinctive flavor pairs beautifully with honey, lime, ginger, and spices in juices, smoothies, and desserts. Blend into beverages for maximum antioxidant benefit.