You Food: Acai Berries
From an Amazonian palm tree found in the rainforests of northern Brazil to America's very berry sweetheart
Bio: The acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is the fruit of an Amazonian palm tree found in the rainforests of northern Brazil. Natives, who have eaten the berry for centuries, know the berry as the ica-cai, which means "fruit that cries." That name is derived from a figure in Brazilian folklore named Iaca (acai spelled backwards); the girl's father, a tribal chief, named the fruit after his daughter. The fruit also has been coined the "super berry" and "power berry" due to its rich content of nutrients and antioxidants. It's even called "Viagra da Amazonia" in its native land, where it's often eaten for breakfast.
Health Benefits: Acai berries are rich in antioxidants - 10x more than red grapes and 10-20x the amount of anthocyanins found in red, which give the berries and other antioxidant superfoods their deep color. The antioxidant power helps reduce the risk of disease, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's and stroke. Their combination of monosaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols help promote cardiovascular and digestive health. Also, their near-flawless amino acid complex and trace minerals are vital to proper muscle contraction and regeneration.
How to Pick: Acai can be found in health or gourmet food stories. If picking fresh berries, look for a dark, rich, purple-black color. It's often found in juice and pulp form, so keep an eye out for these products, as well.
Eat Ideas: Blend them up in a smoothie or in the traditional Brazilian way (recipe below), or pop them fresh, just like any other berry. For the ultimate PBJ, substitute mashed-up acai berries for traditional jelly or preserves.
Beyond Food: Besides consuming them, there's not much else acai berries can be used for. But when they taste so good, why would you want them for anything else?
Recipe: Traditional Brazilian Style Acai
7 oz. acai berries
1/2 milk or juice (we vote milk)
1 banana
If desired: extra fruit, such as strawberries or mangoes
Blend ingredients till smooth. Serve in bowl topped with bananas and granola.
Recipe courtesy Acai Roots
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