The Araza fruit, known as Amazon’s golden superfruit, is a nutrient-dense fruit that offers great potential for farmers. Hailing from the jungles of the Amazon, this fruit is native to Brazil and parts of Peru. It is part of the guava family and is scientifically known as Eugenia stipitata. The Araza fruit is small, round, and has a yellow or greenish hue. Its flavor, while tangy and sour, might not appeal to everyone when eaten raw. However, it has a multitude of culinary uses in drinks, ice creams, jams, and desserts.
One of the standout features of the Araza fruit is its impressive nutritional profile. It contains more vitamin C than an orange—about 770 mg per 100 grams. This makes it a powerful ally for boosting immunity and promoting healthy skin. The fruit is also rich in polyphenols and carotenoids, which are known for their antioxidant properties. These compounds can help protect the skin from damage and may even play a role in cancer prevention.
Farmers looking to cultivate Araza will find it relatively low-maintenance. The plant can grow in various climatic conditions, tolerating both droughts and short periods of flooding. It typically takes around three years for the Araza tree to bear fruit. Once established, the tree can yield up to 400 kilograms of fruit per season, making it a productive addition to any farm.
To grow Araza, farmers can start by germinating seeds from the fruit. It is recommended to plant seeds at least 2 cm apart in a seedbed made of decomposed softwood. Once the seedlings are about 10 cm tall, they can be transplanted into larger bags with soil and manure for further growth. After about a year, they can be moved to their final planting site.
The Araza fruit has a short shelf life and is mostly harvested while still green to prevent bruising. This means that it is often used in local products like sodas, jellies, and syrups, rather than exported in its raw form. However, interest in the fruit is growing globally, and some Araza fruit is now being exported to the UK.
In addition to its culinary versatility, the Araza fruit is also gaining popularity in the beauty industry. Its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties make it a valuable ingredient in skincare products. Many brands are starting to incorporate Araza fruit extract into their products for its skin-rejuvenating benefits.
To sum up, the Araza fruit is a low-maintenance, high-value crop that offers numerous health benefits. Its unique taste and impressive nutrient profile make it a worthwhile investment for farmers looking to diversify their crop options. As more people discover the benefits of this superfruit, the demand for Araza is likely to continue growing, making it an exciting opportunity for smart farmers everywhere.