Made with one of our favorite tropical fruits, this Jugo de cereza Dominicana (acerola cherry juice) is very popular and quite a treat for Dominicans, who love its taste and refreshing properties. If you can find it, I suggest you give this a try, it is an unforgettable treat.
Why we ❤️ it
What is "acerola juice", you say? Well, it's none other than one of Dominicans' favorite drinks. We love our tropical fruit juices, and this Dominican jugo de cereza is so refreshing and unique, a treat we never pass up.
And in case you've never heard of this Dominican fruit...
What is acerola?
Malpighia emarginata [1] or Dominican cerezas are called cerise in French and acerola in English, as well as, Barbados cherry, acerola cherry, and West Indian cherry) is a fruit-bearing tree native to the tropical American continent and very popular in the Caribbean, particularly Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
The fruit outwardly resembles a common cherry, but the pit inside is larger and divided into three. It is also a little sourer than common cherries. The taste is also similar to cherries but less sweet and more acidic.
Acerola is used in juices, drinks, and jams throughout the Caribbean. Here it's as common to find it in this juice as in Dulce de cereza.
Acerola benefits
Acerola cherry is very rich in vitamin C and lower in carbohydrates than traditional fruits.
Acerola cherry and jugo de cereza dominicana
Serving suggestions
Jugo de cereza can be served as a refreshing drink when we have guests or with a light meal for dinner.
As a snack, it goes great with a sandwich, a slice of arepa (or arepa salada too), or some yaniqueques.
About our recipe
There is not much variation in the ingredients and the way is made from home to home, so wherever you try this in the Dominican Republic, it should be fairly similar.
Check more Dominican drinks recipes that we also recommend you try.
Salud!
Recipe
[Recipe] Jugo de Cereza (Acerola Juice)
Ingredients
- 3 cup acerola (West Indian cherries), washed
- sugar (white, granulated), or sweetener
- Ice
Instructions
- Combine acerola and 1 quart [1 liter] of water and liquefy in the blender.Sieve and get rid of the solids.
- Add sugar or sweetener to taste.Add ice and serve.
Tips and Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutritional information.
FAQs
Acerola or Barbado cherry has a taste similar to common cherries but less sweet and more acidic.
Acerola can be used to make juices (jugo de acerola or jugo de cereza), popsicles, and dulces en almíbar (candied fruit).
If there's a Spanish Caribbean or West Indies community near you, check with markets that cater to them. You may be able to find them frozen, as acerola cherries bruise very fast and easily and cannot be stored for long.
References
- Malpighia emarginata - PFAF.org
Published Oct 6, 2011, and last revised
