West Indian cherry, also commonly referred to as the Barbados cherry or acerola, is a beautiful fruit that is not only good in taste but highly nutritious. You will find it enriching to grow this fruit in your garden, providing you with a continuous supply of cherries to be used for various purposes. This article will look at how to grow the West Indian Cherry tree, the different varieties available, and the many benefits and uses of this wonderful fruit.
Growing the West Indian Cherry Tree
The West Indian Cherry tree is relatively easy to grow and is a nice addition to any garden. The plant does very well in the tropics and subtropics, full sun, and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant but will produce more fruit on the tree with regular watering during dry periods.
You can propagate your West Indian Cherry tree from either a young tree bought from a nursery or you can grow it from seeds. If you prefer to grow from seeds, pot them in rich and well-drained soil. Place them in a warm, full sun area and soak the pot. Within a few weeks, you will begin to see seedlings sprouting. After these seedlings have become big enough, they can be planted into your garden.
Planting: Make a hole that is double the size of your West Indian Cherry tree’s root ball in the garden. Add some compost into the soil for nutritional purposes. Afterward, place the tree in the hole, filling it with soil, and water it well. Mulching around the base of the tree will help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
West Indian Cherry Varieties
There are several West Indian Cherry varieties, all differing in their own ways. Following are some popular cultivars:
1. Florida Sweet: This type of cultivar has a sweet and tangy flavor and hence is suitable for fresh consumption.
2. Manoa Sweet: The variety grows large and juicy fruits, suitable for juicing.
3. B-17: This variety is high-yielding with balanced flavour—sweet and tart—and thus suitable for several culinary purposes.
The choice of variety to plant in your garden will therefore be determined by your taste preference and purpose of the cherry.
West Indian Cherry Nutritional Value and Benefits
The West Indian Cherry is just a power bomb of nutrition. It contains much more vitamin C than an orange, although it, too, is extremely high in this very essential vitamin. One cherry can yield as much as 65% of the daily requirement of vitamin C. Other than being an antioxidant-rich fruit, it contains adequate amounts of both vitamin A and other B-complex vitamins.
There are so many West Indian Cherry benefits. The high content of vitamin C enhances the immune system, while antioxidants protect the body from free radicals that cause chronic diseases. Anti-inflammatory properties of the fruit may also help in reducing inflammation and support good health. Besides, vitamins and minerals present in this cherry promote healthy skin, improve vision, and provide cardiovascular health.
West Indian Cherry
One of the most popular ways of consuming West Indian Cherry is in the form of West Indian Cherry juice. The beverage may be tasty, but it is also loaded with different kinds of vitamins. Preparing a West Indian Cherry juice: Blend the cherry fruit with some water and then strain the juice to remove the pulp. You may add a touch of honey or sugar if you like to have a sweeter drink.
The cherries would be useful in a lot of recipes, from smoothies to different preserves like jams and jellies, to desserts in general. Their sweet-sour taste gives foods a peculiarity that qualifies them as a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.
For the gardening enthusiast, growing a West Indian Cherry will mean that you get to have the fruit at its freshest. The cherries can be plucked when fully ripe, for then they are at their sweetest and most flavoured. Freshly picked cherries can be used as a snack, added to salads, or used as a topping on yogurt and cereals.
Conclusion
There are loads of advantages that come with growing a West Indian Cherry tree in your garden. You will have varieties to choose from, so you will get the tree that best suits your taste and needs. Having the West Indian Cherry, which is full of nutrition and health benefits, as part of your diet in the form of fresh fruit, juice, or other recipes, definitely counts for a beneficial addition. From garden to table, this wonderful fruit may be used with great advantages all year round.
