A small, plum-size fruit that is purple-black in color, the jaboticaba fruit is both tasty and beneficial for medicinal use. This plant has been nicknamed the “anti-aging fruit” because it is high in antioxidants, which can help to slow down the signs of aging. The fruit is also good source of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins. These might be helpful in the treatment of cancer.
This slow-growing tree produces salmon-colored leaves that turn green in maturity. When uncultivated, it produces fruit once or twice per year, but through proper cultivation, may produce fruit year round. Other common names include jabotica, jabuticaba, Brazilian grape tree, ybapuru, uva de árbol, guapuru, sabará, and hivapuru. It is unusual in that its fruit grows directly on its trunk.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Central America, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antitumor, detoxifier, and used to treat asthma, poor immune system function, ailments of the digestive tract, diarrhea, sore throat, low iron (especially in pregnant women)
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
For all conditions, eat 1/2 to 1 cup jaboticaba fruits per day. You may also use it as the basis for vinegars, liquor, juices, jelly, and jelly. For diarrhea, low iron, asthma, and sore throat, boil 2 teaspoons dried jaboticaba skins in 1 cup water for 5 minutes. Drink in one sitting. This decoction can also be gargled for sore throats.
