Is Achacha the new ‘superfruit’?

Following in the footsteps of blueberries and goji berries before it, Achacha is the latest fruit-fad of the health world.

The fruit has been brought over to the UK by high-street giant Marks & Spencer who say the fruit has a sorbet-like texture and tastes similar to melon. Traditional Bolivian medicine makes use of the Achacha fruit with its honey in particular thought to have healing properties.

The small orange coloured fruit brings with it a range of health benefits including the following:

• low in sugar
• antioxidant rich
• high in vitamin C
• rich in potassium
• contains Riboflavin (which neutralises free radicals).

The fruit is also said to be beneficial to pregnant women as it has high levels of folate, a naturally occurring form of folic acid that helps to promote healthy blood cell formation.

While there is no scientific evidence to link Achacha consumption to any specific health benefits, the arguments to give it a try are compelling.

Shazad Rehman, a fruit buyer for M&S, says there are many ways to enjoy the fruit, from eating it on its own to adding a slice to sparkling wine. Shoppers have been encouraged to enjoy Achacha at room temperature, cold or frozen – the skin can even be used to make a refreshing drink.

So what do dietitians think?

Sioned Quirke, specialist dietitian and spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association has said the following:

“It is great to have another variety of fruit because the more variety the better, especially with fruit and vegetables.

“But superfruits or superfoods do not really exist – every fruit or vegetable is a superfruit or supervegetable because they all provide us with different nutrients.”