What is Acai?

What is Acai?

Acai Palm:

The açaí palm, or açaí, (pronounced ah-sah-ee) is one of a number palm trees from the genus Euterpe family, which are now cultivated for their fruit and heart of palm. The particular species which we see marketed throughout offline and online media derives from the species Eurterpe oleracea or Açaí Palm, after the European adaption of the Tupian word “iwasai” – meaning “the fruit that expels or cries water”.

International demand for this plant has risen dramatically since 2008 and Açaí is now cultivated primarily to meet this demand. Its sister plant Euterpe edulis (jucara) is also used for its hearts of palm.

There are 8 species of Açaí native to South and Central America which mainly grow in floodplains and swampy areas. Acai Palms are slender tall trees, growing to approximately 15-35 meters, with their pinnate leaves which house the Açaí Berry growing up to 3 meters long.

Açaí Fruit:

The Açaí fruit is a small, circular, black purple drupe generally 1 inch in width, and takes on a similar appearance to a large grape but with less pulp. Produced within the branched pinnacles of the pinnate leaves, the Açaí Berry grows in groups of 600-900 fruits.

The fruit is harvested twice a year and has a single large seed approximately 0.25-0.45 in width, with the exocarp of a ripe fruit displaying the deep purple or lush green color, depending on type of berry and its maturity.

The mesocarp is thin and pulpy which is roughly 1mm which surrounds the voluminous and tough endocarp, which houses the seed, the diminutive embryo if you like teaming with endosperm. This seed makes up about 80% of the fruit.

The berries have been harvested as fruits for generations by 3 traditional cultures in Brazils Amazon region, where the Açaí Palm is described as the most important species of plant in their diet as it makes up 43% of the regions total food intake by weight and also contains economic value for the area

It’s the pulp and juice of the Açaí fruit, Euterpe oleracea – which is used in various smoothies, soda’s, blends and beverages.

In north Brazil, gourds called “cuias” are the traditional way the berry is served here, sometimes salty, sometimes sweet, or occasionally with honey, depending on the local preference. In southern Brazil Açaí is eaten cold, where the dish is called “Açaí na tigela” – “Açaí in a bowl”, where it’s mixed with granola.

Açaí is also consumed throughout Brazil as a juice or an ice-cream, which is also sometimes used in liqueurs.

For detailed analysis on how Açaí may potentially help treat weight loss and anti-aging, please visit: Acai – Weight Loss and Anti-Aging

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