What Is Camu Camu? A Comprehensive Guide

Camu Camu are small, sour berries that grow on a flowering shrub called Myrciaria dubia. The plant has multiple edible parts that have been used traditionally for years. Camu Camu is a superfood most often consumed for its high vitamin C content. This post will guide you through the most important information about Camu Camu Berry.

• Camu Camu Berry: An Overview
• A Short History
• Where Is Camu Camu Found?
• How To Use Camu Camu
• Why Are People Eating Super Sour Berries?
• Main Highlights & Nutritional Profile
• Camu Camu Berry Powder Nutritional Profile
• Conclusion

Camu Camu Berry: An Overview

Scientific Name: Myrciaria dubia.

Other Names: Camu Camu, Rumberry, Guavaberry, Cacari, Zamu Camu Berry.

Appearance: A short shrub with small, berry-like fruit.

Shapes: Resembles a cherry or grape.

Color: Dark red, purple skin with a tender white flesh.

Taste: Sour, tart, acidic, like lime.

Texture: Gritty.

Highlights: High in vitamin C, a natural source of antioxidants, and traditionally used to support overall wellness and healthy skin.

A Short History

The Camu Camu Berry has been eaten and drunk as a juice by many different South American tribes for over 700 years. The Amazonian Indians traditionally used the fruit as part of their diet and wellness traditions.

It wasn’t until the 1950’s that researchers discovered these berries contain the highest naturally occurring level of vitamin C of all plant food sources. Today, there are large farms or tree nurseries that grow the Camu Camu tree to harvest its fruit and make it more widely available.

Where Is Camu Camu Found?

The Camu Camu shrub is native to the South American rain forest in Peru and Brazil, but can also be found in Columbia, Ecuador and Bolivia. The highest concentration of these shrubs grow near the Amazon River. These trees are most often found growing alongside swamps and river-banks or wherever there is water. They favor a hot, tropical and damp environment.

How To Use Camu Camu

Although Camu Camu looks like a juicy, delicious fruit, it’s not commonly eaten raw. This is because of its extremely sour taste. Instead, it is added as flavoring to desserts like pie, ice cream, candy and assorted beverages. Aside from the fruit itself, the bark and stems of the shrub can be used to brew tea and its pulp is used to make jam, yogurt, juice, etc.

Luckily, these are not the only options when it comes to adding this vitamin C packed superfood to your diet. Camu Camu is also commonly dried and powderized which actually lessens its natural sour taste. Because the resulting powder has all water removed, it contains more vitamin C per gram than the fresh fruit. These raw Camu Camu Powder supplements can be easily added to smoothies, oatmeal or yogurt.

Why Are People Eating Super Sour Berries?

In reality, they’re probably not eating the fresh berries because of their strange, sour taste. More likely, they are taking Camu Camu Powder as a dietary supplement. This powder is most popularly consumed for its high vitamin C content. Because the human body doesn’t produce vitamin C on its own, it’s important to include it in your diet.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that supports the body in many ways, including normal tissue maintenance and the absorption of iron. One serving of Camu Camu Powder provides around 70 milligrams of vitamin C, which is just about an entire day’s worth!

In addition, Camu Camu contains citric acid, which can support the absorption of minerals like magnesium, a nutrient that contributes to normal energy and overall wellness.

That being said, like anything, it’s important not to overdo it. If you try Camu Camu Powder, make sure to follow the directions and do not exceed the daily recommended dosage. Too much of a good thing can actually be bad! In this case, too much vitamin C can cause digestive upset, diarrhea or nausea.

Main Highlights & Nutritional Profile*

• High in vitamin C, manganese, copper, iron, and zinc
  
  
• A natural source of antioxidants and phytochemicals such as polyphenols, ellagic acid, gallic acid, 1-methylmalate, anthocyanins, and flavonoids
  
  
• Contains carotenoids like lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin
  
  
• Contains astringent and emollient properties
  
  
• Contains far more vitamin C than an orange by weight
  
  
• Contains far more vitamin C than a lemon by weight
  
  
• Studied for its antioxidant properties
  
  
• Contains nutrients that support eye health
  
  
• A natural source of vitamin C, which supports normal immune function
  
  
• Often included in routines focused on active lifestyles
  
  
• Contains nutrients that support bone health
  
  
• Contains vitamin C, which contributes to healthy gums
  
  
• Part of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
  
  

Camu Camu Nutritional Profile

According to HealWIthFood.Org, 100g of fresh Camu Camu fruit contains the following:

Calories: 17

Protein: 0.4 grams

Total fat: 0.2 grams

Vitamin C: 2,145 milligrams (3,575% DV)

Carotenoids: 355 micrograms

Conclusion

The Camu Camu Berry is an extremely tart fruit packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Resembling a cherry when harvested, it is typically dried and powderized to be used as a dietary supplement.

This tiny superfood contains far more vitamin C than an orange by weight. Its rich antioxidant profile coupled with its nutrient density make it a popular addition to a balanced diet, supporting overall wellness, healthy skin, and bone health, just to name a few areas of interest.

Camu Camu can be consumed raw (not common because it’s that sour), as juice, or in powder form. Stir the daily serving size into a smoothie or yogurt and you’ve already met your vitamin C goal for the day!

Medical Disclaimer

Please speak with your doctor or other licensed healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement including Camu Camu. None of the content on this site is or should be considered medical advice. The purpose of this article is simply to highlight relevant information for those curious about Camu Camu.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.