Super Fruits on the Horizon

For processors looking for the next big food trend, we predict that these five super fruits will become the functional ingredient darlings of the food world in the coming years. Not all of them are easy to find in organic form in the U.S., and some of the health lore behind their mysterious powers hasn’t been fully validated, but as the hype continues to grow around these exotic newcomers, we believe that it’s only a matter of time.

Aronia. A berry fruit also known as the black chokeberry, the aronia has long been popular as a decorative shrub in colder climates. The discovery that this pea-sized, violet-black berry has antioxidant levels rivaling that of the acai has dramatically increased its potential as a functional ingredient. It also has levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids that are five to 10 times higher than cranberry juice.

While still relatively unknown in the U.S., these berries are popular in Denmark, eastern Europe and Russia for juice and even wine production. The slightly bitter berry is currently being used to make commercial juice, either alone or blended with other fruit juices, such as grape or apple, in some parts of the world, and it will likely turn up in all the products in which we currently see pomegranate and acai.

Black Currant. This dark-colored berry, popular in Europe, is packed with antioxidants, and it was revealed recently that black currants may help thwart Alzheimer’s Disease. The black currant has a much higher source of antioxidants than the blueberry, four times the amount of vitamin C found in oranges, and more potassium than bananas.

The European black currant, which recently became available in organic form in the U.S., has a strong sweet flavor and can be eaten fresh as a berry, or used in juice, jams, tarts, teas, wines yogurt, homogenized cheeses, ice creams and instant beverages. In the Bordeaux region of France, black currant is made into a popular liqueur called cassis.

Noni. Despite its yellow, lumpy appearance and unfortunate rotten cheese fragrance, sales of noni juice and related products are booming, largely because of its perceived medicinal properties. In the South Pacific where it is grown, noni has long been believed to treat joint pain, immune problems, colds, infection, digestive disorders, injuries and inflammation. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and is already available in a certified organic form.

Noni is most often consumed as a juice made from the fruit, sometimes with leaves added. The liquid has an astringent taste and a slightly cheesy smell. Many processors blend it with other fruit juices, such as blueberry and raspberry, to sweeten the taste.

Goji. Found in the Himalayas, this tiny red berry has a reputation throughout Asia as a potent anti-aging herb. It contains 18 amino acids and up to 21 trace minerals. The whole dried Goji berry is burnt-red in color and about the size of a raisin with a sweet/tart taste like a cross between a raisin, a cranberry, and a cherry. They are used whole in trail mixes and snacks, or pureed for juices and smoothies.

Mangosteen. Like all the super fruits the berry of the Mangosteen tree, which grows in Malaysia, India and Thailand, is touted as having amazing health properties and is said to cure everything from cancer to dysentery to bacterial infections. While those claims are mostly unsubstantiated, the Mangosteen does have high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, potassium, iron and calcium.

The fruit is round and purple, about the size of an apple, with a thick bitter rind and interior white segments like an orange. It has a sweet flavor with a slight sour edge, reminiscent of a combination of strawberry, peach and vanilla ice cream. Unlike the other hot new super fruits, the Mangosteen is valued as much for its delicious flavor as its high antioxidant properties, and promises to be a popular new ingredient for the organic industry.