1. Where are they from?
This purplish berry is the fruit of the açai palm tree grown in the Amazon. The fruits grow in clusters along the tree’s trunk. They contain very little pulp and the seed makes up more than 90% of their volume. Their seeds are used for fuel in processing plants, where the pulp is reduced into a purée and then frozen. Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of açai.
2. What do they taste like?
Its slightly acidic, mildly sweet taste with a touch of bitterness is reminiscent of other berries, like raspberries and blackberries, and dark chocolate. The açai berry is very fragile and doesn’t keep for long, which is why it’s only available frozen in puréed form, either sweetened or unsweetened, in single-serve pouches, or as a powder in natural food stores or specialty grocery stores.
3. How can I cook with them?
They’re mostly used in smoothies or the popular açai bowls. Well known in Brazil for a long time, they’re both nourishing and pretty to look at, trending on social media thanks to their spectacular violet colour. They can also be used to make ice cream and sorbet. Given that their flavour pairs well with chocolate, they can be added to truffles and candies, too.
4. Are they good for me?
Like other similar fruits, such as blueberries, cranberries and haskap berries, the açai berry boasts a significant amount of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre. Its potential health benefits are often touted, but in actuality, there’s not a lot of scientific evidence to support this. What is true is that the açai berry can add a punch of colour to your dishes.
Want to cook with the açai berry? Here’s a recipe for you to try: