What is açaí and is it healthy?

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In recent years, the açaí berry has become increasingly popular. Do you already know this blueberry from the South American jungle? It is considered a superfood and no wonder. The berry is rich in polyphenols, vitamins and minerals, so it can be well used to support your health. In this blog, we list what açaí is good for and how to use it.

The origin of açaí

Açaí berries grow on the acai palm (Euterpe oleracea martius) that grows only in the Amazon rainforest. The palms can grow as tall as 25 meters and the leaves 3 meters long. The name açaí is pronounced as asaaie. The açaí berry grows high in the palm in clusters. The berries are about 2.5 cm in diameter and have a deep dark purple color. However, the flesh is yellow and there is a seed in the berry. So it is also not actually a berry, but a stone fruit.

The açaí berry is considered one of the healthiest fruits on earth because it is so rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber and polyphenols. It is therefore a shame that we cannot get fresh açaí berries in the Netherlands. In fact, the berries spoil quickly after picking. They should be processed immediately after picking. In the Netherlands, fortunately, you can buy açaí puree, dried açaí powder and juice. In this, too, all the valuable nutrients are retained.

Are you thinking about trying açaí? The question then becomes how it actually tastes. The taste of açaí does differ from most fruits you are used to. The berries have a flavor somewhat similar to bitter chocolate combined with blackberries. So it is not really a sweet fruit, which is why you can combine it well with banana or mango, for example.

What is açaí powder good for?

Açaí berries are called a superfood for a reason. They are packed with vitamins and minerals. Think calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E. If the berries are processed directly, finely ground and freeze-dried, these nutrients are also well preserved in the powder or puree.

Other healthy substances in açaí are polyphenols. These are found in fruits and vegetables. In the açaí berries, they provide their striking deep purple color. The berries contain very high concentrations of polyphenols. These substances can contribute to good health. They have antioxidant properties, helping to protect your body from free radicals and support good cardiovascular health.

Furthermore, açaí berries can contribute to a strong resistance, are good for your energy levels, can support fatigue and are good for the skin.

The best way to use açaí powder

The powder of açaí berries can be used in many ways. You can add it to a glass of fruit juice, a bowl of yogurt or a smoothie. A healthy bowl is also a delicious way to take açaí. Before you start processing the powder, however, it is good to consider the following:

  • Use high-quality powder so that all valuable nutrients are retained.
  • If you want a more sweet taste, use extra fruit or honey instead of sugar. A ripe banana in particular provides a nice extra bit of sweetness and also improves the texture of your smoothie.
  • Add additional toppings, such as pumpkin seeds, goji berries, coconut rind or nuts. These are healthy, but also give your meal a nice bite.
  • Don’t just use fruit for your smoothie or bowl. By adding extra carbs, fats and proteins, you get a super healthy combination of nutrients.

Recipes with açaí

Want to use açaí and looking for another tasty recipe for a smoothie or açaí bowl? We’ve collected a few sample recipes for you. Use them as a base and add your own favorite ingredients!

Açaí bowl for your resistance

For this recipe, you will need açai pulp or puree.

  • 1 bag of açai puree
  • 1 banana
  • 50 grams of blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons of granola
  • 2 tablespoons of grated coconut
  • 5 strawberries
  • 150 ml of coconut water

For this recipe, the idea is to use frozen banana and blueberries. Put these with the açai puree in a blender, along with the coconut water. Blend until smooth. Make one large bowl or two smaller ones. In the latter case, divide it between two bowls. Finish your bowl with fresh strawberries and blueberries, granola and grated coconut.

Healthy berry smoothie

  • 1 tablespoon of açai powder
  • 1 cooked beet
  • 3 tablespoons of red fruit (raspberries or strawberries)
  • 1 banana
  • 100 ml of milk (vegetable-based is also possible)
  • few tablespoons of granola or oatmeal

Put the fruit, beet and açai powder in a blender. Add the milk and let the machine blend until the smoothie is nice and smooth. If you find the smoothie too thick, add some extra milk.

You can find many other delicious recipes on the Internet. You can certainly also unleash your own creativity and come up with all sorts of new combinations. Looking for other superfoods? Check out our superfood shop and try spirulina, chlorella or medicinal mushrooms. We have all natural supplements to boost your health.

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