The Jabuticaba tree (Plinia cauliflora)is a Brazilian grape tree. A tropical, slow growing large evergreen shrub or a small ornamental tree with many branches belonging to the Myrtaceae family

Native to the coastal forest and hilly regions of Southern Brazil.  It has also been grown in the regions of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais in Brazil as well as Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia, as well as in Paraguay, Uruguay and Northern Argentina

The word Jabuticaba is derived from the Tupi (South American people living in areas scattered throughout the Amazon) word “jaboti”, for turtle, or like turtle fat, descriptive of the fruit pulp. Cauliflora is from cauliforous, meaning the fruit and flowers are grown directly on the bark or under the bark along the trunk and branches. The tree is recognized for its purple-black, white-purple fruits which can be eaten raw or be used to make jellies, jams, juices or wines. While the wood is used for charcoal and fuel

The tree thrives best in deep rich, moist, well drained and lightly acidic soil (pH of 5.5 – 6.5) in full sun or partial shade. It can also grow in limestone and sandy soils. It grows to be between 5 and 13 meters high with a trunk of about 20cm in diameter

The bark is reddish brown, peeling to a smooth, multi-coloured cream to gray under the bark, similar to the guava tree

The globose to slightly oblate grape like berries measure about 1 inch in diameter

The Jabuticaba fruit contains compounds very similar to cranberries, grapes and other related species, including anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties

Some of the well-known health benefits include:

Relieve a sore throat – the juice of the Jabuticaba fruit is slightly sour like most berries. Mix with a little warm water to help sooth a sore throat. The high levels of Vitamin C help fight infections and as an immunity booster

Treatment of asthma and similar breathing disorders – the Jabuticaba fruit has active compounds which assist in opening up the bronchial tubes which is known to be beneficial (this has been supported traditionally but not medically)

Treatment of diarrhea – it is a well-known fact that the skins of the Jabuticaba fruit can cause constipation if too much is consumed. That is why for medication purposes eating the Jabuticaba fruit with its skin is beneficial for treating diarrhea in a natural way

Digestive health – the high fibre content in the fruit (without the skins) keeps bowel movements regular and prevents constipation. The nutrients of the fruit aid in digestion and in cleansing and detoxifying the intestines. The juice is known to relieve stress on the liver and help filter toxins while nourishing the body with vitamins and minerals

Increases the levels of blood – Jabuticaba juice contains high levels of iron which assists in increasing the blood levels in the body. Helping to treat anaemia and dizziness

Beneficial to the skin – the skin of the fruit is high in anti-oxidants, helping to prevent early aging and aging signs like dark spots , wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. It has rejuvenating and hydrating properties for the skin. It encourages the production of collagen which increases the elasticity and suppleness of the skin. The pulp is high in Vitamin B which supports enzymes that encourage cell growth. The pulp is also used in the treatment of acne

Healthy hair – the nutrients in Jabuticaba promotes healthy and lustrous hair growth and is also helpful in preventing hair loss

Jabuticaba is very popular for its powerful antioxidants effects due to its phenolic compounds like anthocyanins and many others, which act as potent antioxidants and also possess anti-inflammatory with anti-cancer properties. These help in fighting off the free radicals that are responsible for causing cell damage. It is also useful in easing arthritis and other inflammatory related disorders

The Jabuticaba fruit is known for high levels of calcium, potassium and magnesium beneficial for your bones and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis