Wondering What is Acai?
I’ve overheard people asking ‘what is Acai’? when looking through the café menu and it astounds me that some folk have not heard of it…..
I have come to appreciate that just because it is readily available here in our warmer climate, does not mean it is commonplace elsewhere!
The Acai palm tree is native to Central and South America, a large majority of which are grown in the Amazon rainforests.
The palm trees produce berries all year round, however harvesting is limited to outside of the rainy season.
What is Acai if it is not a Berry?
Although Acai is often referred to as an Acai berry it is in fact a drupe, bearing a likeness to a small purple grape.
The acai berry grows in large branched hanging clusters of between 500-900 berries per branched clusters on an acai palm tree.
The majority of the Acai berry consists of a single large seed which is around 60-80% of the fruit.
Once harvested acai has a very short shelf life as a fresh product, so it is either freeze dried in to a powder form or pulped in to a frozen puree ready for sale as a commercial product.
Information sourced from: wikipedia.org
What is the correct Acai Pronunciation?
It is completely understandable that Acai pronunciation is frequently searched on Google, so we know how to order properly when we go in to cafes! It really sounds nothing like the way it is spelt.
Acai: ah – sigh – ee
Now that you are aware of your acai pronunciation read on……..
What is Acai when made into Acai bowls?
In Brazil acai is used in savoury cuisine as well as in sweeter creations. When making acai bowls the acai is blended with a little guarana and water only.
In other countries acai is blended with frozen banana, frozen blueberries and a little apple juice among other fruits.
The consistency when made well is like soft serve ice-cream! Some even say ‘it is like eating ice-cream for breakfast’!
Lots of toppings can be added such as, yoghurt, coconut, fresh fruit and granola, making it a visual feast and a delicious refreshing breakfast or lunch bowl.
You will find the best 3 Acai Bowl Recipes here.
What is Acai Good for, what is all the hype about?
- Acai is good for ensuring your 2 plus serves of fruit a day
- Easy to keep on hand, either in the freezer or as a powder form in the pantry
- Replace your ice-cream for a healthier option of acai for dessert
- On its own, acai is low in sugars compared to other fruits with a good amount of healthy fats
- Acai is high in fibre
- Acai is high is antioxidants derived from plant compounds
- Acai is nutrient dense
- Acai tastes as good as it looks!
- Acai is great for using up leftover fruits as toppings
Next time you hear someone ask ‘what is acai used for’, whip up your own creation in an acai bowl or even add a little coconut water or yoghurt to transform your acai in to a smoothie! Or share a recipe from here!
For more info, delicious inspiration and recipe ideas click here