We have a small Pitanga Fruit (Surinam Cherry) tree here at Hale O Kauka Healing Garden. This fruit is a low glycemic and low calarie super food. It is similar to a raspberry but a bit more perfumy in flavor although Doug swears it’s reminicent of a bell pepper with less crunch. It has many health benefits and is super cute in a fruit salad.
This fruit is called a “fountain of youth” in Brazil because of its high anti-oxidant content. It’s rumored to be anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-protazoa and anti-paracytic. It also contains iron, licopene, vitamin C, vitamin B complex, B2, melatonin, magnesium, potasium, vitamin A, camphoral, quercetin and many phenol compounds.
Tea made from the leaves are said to be especially anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. The berry and its leaves are good for the skin, arteries, eyes, immune system and as a support for detox as a natural diuretic. Studies have shown it to be good for maintaining healthy blood pressure as an antihypertensive. The berries and bark have anti astringent properties that if taken regularly are believed to help with gastrointestinal upsets.
If you are visiting us on Maui you can take some leaves to rub on your skin as a natural bug repellent during your stay and request a cup of tea to try. We love this plant and it’s fruit for all of its beauty, health benefits, practical applications and tasty fruit.