scored 81/100
Pitanga is a small, crimson tropical fruit native to South America, delivering concentrated vitamin C and bioactive polyphenols in just 33 calories per 100g. Its tart flavor and nutrient density make it a longevity-supporting addition to tropical fruit rotations.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 81.
Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora), also called Surinam cherry, is a nutrient-dense fruit native to Brazil and South America that has gained attention in longevity research for its exceptional polyphenol content. Despite its modest calorie profile, pitanga delivers 26.3mg of vitamin C per 100g—nearly 30% of daily requirements—plus significant bioactive compounds including anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and quercetin. These compounds accumulate in the fruit's vibrant red skin and contribute to its antioxidant potency. The fruit's low glycemic impact (7.5g carbs with minimal fiber data suggests rapid absorption) makes it suitable for metabolic health strategies. Pitanga contains approximately 103mg potassium per 100g, supporting cardiovascular function and electrolyte balance. Traditional use in Amazonian medicine aligns with emerging research on its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. While scientific investigation remains limited compared to berries like blueberries, preliminary studies suggest pitanga's polyphenol profile may rival some established longevity fruits. The fruit's seasonal availability in subtropical and tropical regions and growing commercial cultivation present increasing access for health-conscious consumers seeking novel antioxidant sources.
High vitamin C content (26.3mg/100g) supports neutrophil function, antibody production, and crosslinking of collagen for tissue integrity and wound healing
Anthocyanins and ellagic acid neutralize free radicals and upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase
Potassium (103mg) aids vasodilation and sodium-potassium pump function; quercetin and anthocyanins improve endothelial function and reduce arterial stiffness
Polyphenolic compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production and demonstrate activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi
Low glycemic load with polyphenols that may enhance insulin sensitivity and improve glucose homeostasis
Pitanga's low glycemic load, modest calorie profile, and lack of antinutrients make it appropriate across meal timing strategies. Morning consumption leverages vitamin C for immune priming; post-workout consumption provides rapid carbohydrates with antioxidants for recovery.
Fasting-compatible
The 7.5g carbs per 100g are minimal enough to maintain metabolic flexibility in fasting protocols; vitamin C and polyphenols may even enhance autophagy signaling.
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower pitanga is than the average across 95 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Pitanga is classified as a fruit. Pitanga is a small, crimson tropical fruit native to South America, delivering concentrated vitamin C and bioactive polyphenols in just 33 calories per 100g.
Pitanga scores 81/100 in Formulate, making it a great choice. Its strongest contributions come from Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Magnesium. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 140 g serving provides about 1.1 g of protein (~2% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 140 g serving provides about 0 g of fiber (~0% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 140 g serving, pitanga is highest in Vitamin C (~41% DV).
Not really. A 140 g serving has about 10.5 g of net carbs (10.5 g total minus 0 g fiber).
Best any time of day. Pitanga's low glycemic load, modest calorie profile, and lack of antinutrients make it appropriate across meal timing strategies. Morning consumption leverages vitamin C for immune priming; post-workout consumption provides rapid carbohydrates with antioxidants for recovery.
A typical serving is around 140 g (~46 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating pitanga alongside several other fruit sources.
Pitanga pairs nicely with: Pair with full-fat Greek yogurt because the fat solubilizes fat-soluble polyphenols and slows gastric emptying, improving sustained antioxidant absorption; Combine with leafy greens (spinach, arugula) because vitamin C enhances non-heme iron bioavailability from greens, supporting oxygen transport; Mix with nuts or seeds because fat and protein synergize with polyphenol absorption and provide sustained satiety despite pitanga's low calorie density; Pair with other red/purple fruits (raspberries, acai) because complementary anthocyanin profiles create broader antioxidant spectrum coverage.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients pitanga contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients pitangacontributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.