Almost
anywhere you look new articles or stories are
popping up about the new super fruit, açaí
(pronounced “ah-SIGH-ee”). Organic açaí is an all natural energy
fruit from the Amazon. Located in the rainforests of Brazil, açaí
fruit is a small
dark purple berry that's full of antioxidants,
essential omega fatty acids, amino acids,
vitamins and minerals. The açaí berry is not only healthy but
its taste is similar to a blend of berries and chocolate.
Since
the berries were first discovered by the people
of Brazil, açaí recipes have included the purée
form of the fruit. They would warm the pulp as a sauce and
pour it over meat, fish, grains or other fruits. They would also serve it cold, like an ice
cream or sorbet. Another popular açaí recipe includes
mixing the açaí berry, water and sugar. This blend produces an easy and
effective energy drink.
As
açaí has become more popular around the world,
even more açaí recipes have become available. For instance, health addicts and smoothie
fans alike enjoy an açaí smoothie. There is a traditional smoothie, which
includes 7 oz. açaí juice or pulp, ½ cup soy
milk, and one piece of fruit, such as a banana,
apple or other fruit. Blend all of the ingredients together and
top with granola, sliced fruit or whipped cream. It can also be served as is. For a P, B & J Smoothie, include açaí
frozen pulp, 4 oz. raspberries (frozen or fresh),
7 oz. natural apple juice, and 2 tablespoons
natural peanut butter. Blend all of the ingredients together
until smooth. Another açaí recipe is for açaí
juice. To
make it, simply blend the fruit pulp, orange
juice, two spoons of honey and two slices of
banana together until you reach a satisfactory
level of liquid.
One
of the traditional açaí recipes is “the Rio
bowl”. The
Rio bowl is also called an energy bowl. Gather the following ingredients: açaí
pulp or purée, 8 whole strawberries (fresh or
frozen), ¼ cup plain yogurt, ¼ cup soy milk,
½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup granola, and
½ cup fresh berries, bananas or seasonal fruit. In a blender, add the açaí,
strawberries, yogurt, soy milk, and vanilla. Blend until smooth, but make sure it
retains its thickness. Pour into a bowl and top with organic granola and fruit. Serve chilled. The vanilla can be omitted, depending on your preference.
Have
you been waiting for someone to invent a healthy
ice cream? Look no further. There are several açaí recipes for açaí
ice cream or sorbet. You can make them yourself or you can search the various
health food stores that sell açaí products for
one that appeals to you. Not only will you get a tasty treat, but
you will get one that is healthy for you as
well.
While
the majority of açaí recipes are for the
infamous energy bowls, smoothies or juice
drinks, there are a number of ways that you can
enjoy açaí. Find a company that sells the right
product for you and give it a try. Decide for yourself it the açaí berry
is as good as they say – both by taste and by
health. What
do you have to lose?
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