Located, hidden in the swamps and the floodplains of the northern region of South America, grows açaí palm trees that hang full of dark berries ripe to harvest.
Acai berries are loaded with antioxidants and have a rich flavor that tastes similar to a raspberry and blackberry with a hint of dark chocolate. The “smooth” flavor of these berries are what makes them an excellent choice for smoothies, puddings, fruit bowls (which they’re highly famous for) and is an excellent way to get your serving of fruit for the day.
Because acai berries are super nutritious, they have been known as a super-food. You can commonly find acai berries served cold as a frozen fruit puree, often used to make acai smoothie bowls. Acai smoothie or fruit bowls have become quite popular and a favorite meal for many. There are endless combinations that you can make with acai berries, definitely get creative.
76% of adults, according to the CDC, do not meet their recommended daily intake of fruits whereas 87% do not meet it for vegetables. Studies show that adults who get their recommended intake of fruits and veggies lower their chances of long-term health illnesses from developing, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and more. It’s easy to fit a daily dose of fruit in an açaí bowl by blending your servings into one tasty puree or smoothie and call it a meal.
Increasing your acai intake can help you recover fast form blemishes, clear up your skin, aids in weight loss, improves digestion, and even avoiding varicose veins among many more benefits. Acai provides your body with great sources of vitamins, minerals and fuel to supercharge you during your day.
Unforuntely, most people do not realize, especially on the Standard American Diet, that they are malnourished. If you are feeling tired and achy, and experiencing symptoms of vitamin deficiency, which can easily fly under the radar – it’s recommended to take the necessary steps to get the daily amount of fruits and vegetables your body needs to replenish and nourish itself. The more acia berries you eat along with eating a healthy diet, you’ll notice a change in your overall well-being. Eating one açaí bowl each day and mixing it in with other nutrient packed fruits and veggies leads you on a healthier overall lifestyle track.
In Brazil and Trinidad, acai bowls are served as a frozen puree. However, it’s difficult to find fresh açaí berries anywhere in the states and are commonly crushed and frozen into açaí packets which you can find at your local health food store in the frozen section.
If you can get your hands on organic, non-GMO acai berries (frozen or fresh), here are a few healthy acai berry bowl to enjoy:
Berry Acai Bowl:
- ½ cup of frozen strawberries
- ½ cup of frozen blueberries
- 1 packet of frozen açaí berries
- 1 frozen banana for a thicker consistency
Blend and top with sweet granola, strawberry and banana slices.
GREEN AÇAÍ BOWL
- 1 cup of kale and/or organic spinach
- ½ cup of frozen mango
- 1 packet of frozen açaí berries
- 1 frozen banana
Blend and top with coconut shreds and almond slices.
RASPBERRY AÇAÍ BOWL
- 1 cup of frozen raspberries
- 2 frozen bananas
- ½ cup of homemade plant-based mylk
- 1 packet of frozen açaí berries
Blend and top with 1 tsp chia seeds, oatmeal and fresh raspberries
The above recipes can be modified to fit your taste preferences. The acai mix gives it a rich taste, while bananas gives the recipes a thick texture. Adding in plant-based, non-dairy milk makes it more drinkable. Once you get the hang of mixing and blending fruits, the options for different bowls easily become endless.
Eating açaí bowls and making sure you get your daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables will help you avoid illnesses and keep you feeling great all the time.
The above 3 recipes are from: Shelly Bohorquez is a writer and ethical vegan based in Boise, ID who enjoys travelling, photography and eating tasty plant based foods. She has a BA in Communication from Boise State University. She’s currently living in the North End with her cat, Ron. Follow her on IG @shemovesabstract
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