What is Acai? Everything you need to know (and more)

We decided to let you in one all the things you should know about the ah-sah-EE berry. Yes, that is how you pronounce it. Here’s what we are going to put together for you:

1. What is Acai

2. Acai benefits

3. Where to buy Acai

4. Acai Supplementation

5. How to make your Acai bowl at home

We’re not sure what the origin of the Acai bowl is, but it feels like we woke up one morning and every specialty shop was making their own version of this vibrant and trendy dish. A meal that looks so stunning that you barely want to eat it? We’re not complaining. But let’s dig deeper into everything Acai.

What is an Acai Berry?

Acai (pronounced Ah-sigh-ee) is a grape-like, nutrient-rich, berry found on acai palm trees that most commonly grow in Central and South America. It has the shape and size of a blueberry, dark purple skin, and a yellow pulp. While they mostly grow in the Amazon rain forest, they are now being grown in Hawaii to support the growing depend for the fruit.

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The Super Food of the century

Acai is considered a superfood because it is jam-packed with antioxidants, nutrients and vitamins. According to WebMD, acai fruit pulp is even richer in antioxidants than cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries or blueberries.  They are also full of fiber, heart-healthy fats and are high in calcium! An ounce of acai puree gives you about 20 calories, 1.5 grams of carbohydrates, 1.5 grams of fiber and almost no sugar. While many other benefits of the acai berry are still being researched and verified, a research paper in the Journal of Nutrition and Cancer states it has “anti-inflammatory activities in colon cancer cells and can be effective as natural colon cancer preventative.” We hope we’ve convinced you that this berry is a LOT MORE than just its unique look!

Where can I buy Acai?

While Acai is not grown in the continental US, it comes in many frozen forms: juices, frozen pulp, ice cream, smoothies, powders , and other supplements – you name it, they probably have it. Walk into your local health food store and you can’t miss these byproducts. Unfortunately, due to the extremely perishable nature of these berries, if you’re looking for a fresh sampling your best bet is getting on the next plane flying south to the Brazilian rainforest.

Acai Supplements

We weren’t joking when we said Acai has so many health benefits, so much so that people consume it in supplement form just for that reason! We do warn you, however, before taking a supplement to make sure the product provides 100% Organic Acai Berry and not any added unnecessary ingredients. In short, Acai Berry supplements:

• Helps to increase antioxidant levels in your body

• High calcium content helps keep your bones and heart muscles strong and healthy.

• Supports your immune system.

• The high fiber content helps to promote a healthy digestive system.

How to make an Acai Bowl at Home

Before we share our own recipe with you, we wanted to describe to you the simple way to make an Acai bowl using your own ingredients. There are only four components needed:

1. Acai: You have to buy the frozen pulp, which is usually sold in individual packs. This is, obivously, the main component!

2. Liquid: You could use plain or water to get things moving in the blender, or you could spice it up and use coconut water, milk or juice.

3. Frozen fruit: This is also a part of the base and we recommend you try whatever fruit you prefer until you reach a base that fits your flavor preference.

4. Extras: Many people like to add additional greens like kale or spinach, or to give it an even better flavor you could throw in some nut butter!

The trick? The right consistency. It should be creamy yet thick enough to scoop. Try this recipe out for yourself:

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Acai Bowl Ingredients:

• 1 cup banana

• ½ cup apple juice

• 1 cup frozen acai berry puree

• ½ cup vanilla greek yogurt

• 1 ½ cup frozen mixed berries

toppings: fresh berries, sliced banana, granola, almonds, chia seeds, kiwi, shredded coconut

Instructions:  

1. Place juice, banana, frozen berries, acai puree and yogurt in a blender and blend until smooth.

2. Pour blend into 2 deep bowls.

3. Arrange toppings over blend and voila!

Acai is definitely here to stay. We’re talking about a delicious fruit, with powerful health benefit, what’s not to love?! We vote “great food trend” for this superfood that looks beautiful, sounds cool, and tastes great!  

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