Camu Camu, Myrciaria dubia, is a small bushy tree that reaches 9-15 ft (3-5 m) in height. There are small red-purple fruits that resemble cherries. The colors of the Camu Camu are small and white, with soft sweet and fruity aroma. Camu Camu bears fruit after the age of 5 years old.
Blooms at the end of the dry season and bears fruit in the middle of the rainy season. Grows best in tropical climates, but is also found in the subtropics. It needs large amounts of water. Camu Camu is commonly spread mainly in Peru and Brazil, as well as the forests of the Amazon.
Indigenous peoples from the Amazon reap the rewards of Camu Camu, dry them and use them for therapeutic purposes in the rest of the year. When you dry and grind them, the purple-red fruits acquire a beige color.
First fruit Camu Camu were tested in the 50-ies of the last century in Peru, where its high nutritional value and useful actions were established.
Composition of Camu Camu
Camu Camu fruit is extremely rich in vitamin C, which constitutes 2-3% of its weight. The juice of the Camu Camu is rich in various minerals, but the content of iron is highest. Besides iron, it contains satisfactory qualities of calcium, potassium, protein, phosphate, leucine, serine, valine, thiamine, ellagic acid.
100 grams of Camu Camu contains 2.6 g fat, 1.55 g protein, 2800 mg vitamin C, 0.76 g fibre, 92.7 g carbohydrates.
Selection and storage of Camu Camu
Camu Camu can be purchased as bio- juice, in the form of capsules or powders. The powder is very pleasant and has a slightly spicy taste.
Powder from Camu Camu is sold in packages of 125 g, and should not be kept warm over a year to preserve the properties of vitamin C. It should be stored in dry and cool place, away from children.
Culinary uses of Camu Camu
Camu Camu has great flavor and color. The red pigment in the skin of the fruit gives the Camu Camu juices an attractive pink color. The flavor of the juice is soft and unobtrusive. Camu Camu is also used to make sweets and ice creams. Lemonade with Camu Camu is a very refreshing summer drink. You need 2 tablespoons Camu Camu powder, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons agave, ½ tsp stevia, 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Mix all ingredients in a blender and mix for about a minute. Serve lemonade chilled. Camu Camu can be added to cocktails, raw desserts or drinking water. In Japan Camu Camu extract is added to sweets, energy drinks and multivitamins.
Benefits of Camu Camu
Camu Camu is used to maintain the immune system in good condition, maintaining excellent vision, reduces inflammation and improves lung protection against viral infections, maintaining beautiful skin, maintaining healthy collagen and joints. Camu Camu supports the functions of the heart, skin, eyes, brain, heart and liver.
Fruit of the Camu Camu is most recommended for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. They have a good analgesic and antiviral activity. Camu Camu is an excellent antioxidant.
The tribes of the Amazon to this day prepare a tonic to nourish the hair of the Camu Camu fruit.
Camu Camu helps prevent genetic mutations involved in the formation of cancers. Have anti-inflammatory effect, increase the chances of conceiving the body and feed the uterus.
As mentioned, the content of vitamin C in Camu Camu is not to be underestimated. This vitamin is extremely important, because it participates in the construction of the nerves, muscles, skin and bones. Lack of important vitamins in the body makes you prone to scurvy disease.
Dangers of Camu Camu
Take 2 tbsp (30 g) of Camu Camu, no more than three times a day. Be careful with the Camu Camu doses, because overdose can cause diarrhoea.
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