Friday May 30th, 2025

Jabuticaba, a fruit native to Brazil, was recently recognized internationally when it was elected the 10th best fruit in the world by the renowned gastronomic portal TasteAtlas. With a rating of 4.5 stars out of a total of 5, the fruit stands out for its unique flavor and nutritional benefits. It is worth noting that, in 2023, jabuticaba had already reached second place in the same ranking, behind only the mangosteen, which is also produced and exported by Brazil.

The list, which includes the most popular fruits on all continents, places jabuticaba alongside classics such as mangosteen and strawberries. An achievement to celebrate, but also to reflect on: why did it take us so long to look with pride at something that has always been in our backyard?

The jabuticaba is, literally, Brazil sprouting from the trunk, and some producers have already understood the economic strength of this fruit. In Goiás, for example, the municipality of Hidrolândia has become a national reference, with 254 hectares cultivated and an average production of 6 thousand tons per year. In the Federal District, more than 19 thousand tons were harvested in 2023. 

Despite all its merits, jabuticaba still faces significant challenges in establishing itself in the international market, especially due to its high perishability. The fruit has an extremely short shelf life after harvesting and can become unfit for consumption within a few days. However, conservation technologies have been developed to overcome this obstacle. 

Methods such as controlled refrigeration, the use of modified atmospheres and edible coatings that delay ripening are being successfully applied. In addition, advances in the distribution chain, especially in the northeast of the country, can help to move fruit in record time and guarantee the freshness and quality of Brazilian fruit.