Camu Camu

Myrciaria dubia — Myrtaceae

Italiano: Camu Camu

Description

Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is native to SouthAmerica. It thrives in Riverine flooded forests, oxbow lakes environments across regions including SouthAmerica. Botanically, Camu Camu is small riverside shrub bearing cherry-sized red-purple fruits with the highest natural vitamin C content of any plant.. The edible parts include Fruits. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, February, March and May. Nutritionally, Camu Camu stands out for its Vitamin C (45.0mg, 50% DV), Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Camu Camu offers a Very acidic, sour, citrus-berry flavor profile. Harvest floating fruits during high water; pulp extracted. Common culinary applications include Juice, Powder, Smoothies, Ice cream. Popular preparations include Blend fresh or frozen pulp with water and honey. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Extremely acidic; dilute well for juice; can erode enamel. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Riverine flooded forests, oxbow lakes across SouthAmerica.

🍳 Recipe: Blend fresh or frozen pulp with water and honey

Preparation method: Harvest floating fruits during high water; pulp extracted
Flavor profile: Very acidic, sour, citrus-berry
Edible parts: Fruits

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Feb, Mar, Apr, May.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

8/10
Toxicity: Extremely acidic; dilute well for juice; can erode enamel
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits
Preparation: Harvest floating fruits during high water; pulp extracted
Flavor: Very acidic, sour, citrus-berry

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 45.0mg (50%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 30.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Juice, Powder, Smoothies, Ice cream Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Blend fresh or frozen pulp with water and honey

Where It Grows

Continent: SouthAmerica
Regions: SouthAmerica
Habitat: Riverine flooded forests, oxbow lakes
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References