When it comes to Florida, fruits like oranges and pineapples may be the first things that come to mind.<\/p>\n
But that may not be the case forever.<\/p>\n
According to the UF\/IFAS<\/a>, researchers are looking into the possibility of bringing acerola to the Sunshine State as its next big crop.<\/p>\n Acerola \u2014 also known as a \u201cBarbados cherry\u201d \u2014 is a type of fruit grown in places like the Caribbean, Brazil and Mexico, among other parts of Central and South America.<\/p>\n An acerola growing from a tree (Image by ADFimagemestudio from Pixabay) (ADFimagemestudio\/Pixabay)<\/p>\n Researchers posit that the small cherry is a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants \u2014 so much so that the acerola is considered a kind of \u201csuperfruit.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n In fact, UF\/IFAS officials explained that the fruit can provide over 1,800% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C in just one cup. That\u2019s leagues more than even an orange or a lemon. <\/p>\n However, these aren\u2019t actually cherries (acerolas are considered berries), and their flavor has been described as tart and acidic, with a few sweeter varieties out there.<\/p>\n Acerola fruit (Image by Danieli Hardt Dani from Pixabay) (Danieli Hardt\/Pixabay)<\/p>\n So far, researchers have been working with a Brazilian colleague to grow the acerola in Florida and garner a better genetic understanding of it.<\/p>\n To do so, UF\/IFAS scientists have put together three major field trials across the state: one in Citra, another at a farm in Pierson, and a third at a research center in Homestead.<\/p>\n \u201cOur central goal is to determine the best regions and practices for growing acerola, while understanding how climate conditions influence fruit quality and nutritional value,\u201d said horticultural scientist Felipe Ferr\u00e3o, who\u2019s leading the project.<\/p>\n