A dark purple Brazilian fruit that grows directly on the tree trunk.
Why it’s used: Rich in anthocyanin antioxidants.
Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora, also known as Myrciaria cauliflora) is one of the most striking fruit trees in the world. Native to the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil, it produces its dark purple, grape-like berries directly on the trunk and branches rather than on new shoots, so a fruiting tree looks as if it has been studded with marbles.
In Brazil the fruit is eaten fresh and made into jams, juices and other food products, and the leaves and peel have a place in traditional indigenous practice. The thick, almost black skin is where most of the goodness lies. It is rich in anthocyanin antioxidants, mainly cyanidin-3-glucoside and delphinidin-3-glucoside, alongside ellagitannins, ellagic acid and gallic acid. On supplement labels you may see jaboticaba fruit or peel powder, or jaboticaba extract.
Laboratory and animal studies have explored the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of jaboticaba polyphenols, and a few small human studies have looked at markers such as blood sugar response and inflammation. A 2021 review of around 200 published articles concluded that more research in people is still needed to understand how jaboticaba polyphenols work in the body.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
49 adults with metabolic syndrome took 15 g/day jaboticaba peel powder or placebo for 5 weeks. Glucose area under the curve and IL-6 improved; other measures did not change.
24 trained participants drank 250 ml/day jaboticaba juice (about 1,300 mg polyphenols) or placebo for 7 days. Glutathione rose, soreness fell and strength recovered faster.
19 healthy adults took 7 g/day jaboticaba peel powder or control for 4 weeks in a crossover trial. IL-6 fell 30-40% and oxidative species 9%; glucose responses did not change.
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Jaboticaba has a sweet, slightly tart white pulp inside a thick, dark purple skin. The skin is more astringent, but it is where most of the fruit's anthocyanins and other polyphenols are concentrated.
Jaboticaba is cauliflorous, meaning its flowers and fruit form directly on the trunk and older branches. Its Latin name, cauliflora, reflects this. It is one of the features that makes the tree so recognisable.
Jaboticaba is rich in anthocyanins, particularly cyanidin-3-glucoside and delphinidin-3-glucoside, which give the skin its deep colour. It also contains ellagitannins, ellagic acid and gallic acid, mostly concentrated in the peel and seeds.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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