Its name sounds like a sneeze.....

...but this unusual fruit may actually help keep you healthier!

The health benefits of the Achacha fruit have long been recognised in Bolivia, its country of origin, but the fruit, in season now, is relatively new to Australian palates, now being grown on a plantation in north Queensland.

Results of a new study from the School of Science and Health at the University of Western Sydney, following detailed examination of the skin and pulp of the Achacha over the past year, confirm this a fruit with a future here.

Researchers report that its low sugar content means it is an excellent choice for diabetics. They also found that its skin, when soaked in water to make a refreshing, nutritious drink, releases high levels of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) and surprisingly high levels of arginine (an amino acid), the key factor in the production of nitric oxide in humans, the importance of which is being increasingly recognised in the medical field.

In moderate to high concentration, they advise, arginine can help improve blood flow and other aspects of cardiovascular health and act as a relaxant, soothing the muscles around the blood vessels, hence lowering blood pressure. Arginine may also prevent excess accumulation of fat in the fat cells.

North Queensland growers, Achacha Fruit Plantations, have established the first and currently, the only known large scale commercial Achacha operation in the world on 120 irrigated hectares in the Burdekin Shire.

They are currently picking this season's fruit, and pallets are now on their way to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne wholesale markets, then will find its way to Australian retail outlets and markets. The fruit will also be available in some major stores in the UK and Asia.

The fruit is described as sweet, tangy and refreshing, providing a unique taste sensation for fruit lovers. It also makes delicious sorbets and granitas amongst other things, and has a long shelf life.

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