Araza fruits with high nutritional value
Araza, also called arazá or Eugēnia stipitāta, is a tropical tree. It belongs to the myrtle family. This tree grows in South America's equatorial and tropical forests. It is found in the Amazon areas of Brazil, eastern Peru, and eastern Ecuador. Araza can grow in the wild or be planted by people. The fruits are nutritious and used in drinks and desserts. They make juices, soft drinks, ice cream, and fruit preserves.
The tree grows to 2 to 4.5 meters tall. Many branches hang down from the base. These branches grow without a main trunk. The leaves are simple and oval. They are 6 to 18 cm long and 3.5 to 9.5 cm wide. The top of the leaves are dark green and smooth. The underside is light green and a bit fuzzy.
Araza shares traits with other Eugenia trees. Its many drooping branches form a thick crown. The flowers grow in tight clusters. Each flower has five petals and many long stamens.
The fruits are round berries, 2 to 12 cm across. They weigh 50 to 750 grams. Young fruits are green. Ripe fruits turn yellow or orange-yellow. The skin is velvety and about one millimeter thick. The pulp is light yellow, juicy, and soft. Inside, there are several large, oblong seeds.
The fruits taste very sour. People use them in cooking for different dishes and drinks. For example, some use araza to make tangy sauces for fish.
Araza grows well in different soils. It can handle acidic soil if it drains well. The tree likes sunny spots. It can live through a two-month dry period.
Araza only reproduces through seeds. The seeds sprout in two to six months after planting. Farmers often soak seeds to speed things up.