The Plant: Pitanga
Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora) is the fruit of the pitanga tree, a native Brazilian bush of the Myrtaceae family. The word "Pitanga" comes from Tupi—an ancient indigenous language—meaning "rosy-red". The fruit is an orangey-red berry about 3 cm in diameter with a characteristic fresh, sweet-tangy aroma.
Pitanga pulp is rich in proteins, vitamins A, B, and C, as well as antioxidant bioflavonoids and essential minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and silicon. In traditional regional medicine, pitanga leaves and fruits are valued for their purifying, revitalizing, and astringent benefits.