Acai berries, the natural fruit of the Amazon

Acai berries (assaí) are the fruit of the Euterpe Oleracea palm tree. They grow in Brazil, just north of the country, in the bordering areas of the Amazon. They are a wild, rich, and flavorful fruit. They have medicinal, diuretic, and weight-loss properties. They are beneficial for organs and the stomach. You can buy them in herbal stores and specialty shops.

Traditionally, it is a food of the indigenous people who inhabit the Amazon forests, but due to its health benefits, it has become very popular in the West. Thanks to its high content of antioxidants and fiber, it is very healthy for the skin and digestive processes.

Benefits of acai berries

Slightly small, they range from 10 to 15 mm in size. Acai berries are purple, intense, and dark in color. On the palms, you can find them in bunches that grow about 20 meters above the ground, and their number varies depending on the age and the conditions of the tree that produces them.

The edible part of acai is the pulp of the berries. About 10% is food, and the rest is seed.

The main components of acai berries are:

• Anthocyanins.
• Vitamins A, B, C.
• Omega 3, 6, and 9.
• Fiber.
• Plant protein.

The high content of anthocyanins has a powerful antioxidant effect. This substance is considered a flavonoid, which is good for brain function, the heart, has beneficial effects against tumors, and also works as a natural anti-inflammatory.

It is also a good ally against obesity and diabetes due to its properties that inhibit digestive enzymes and help the body stabilize blood glucose control. They also prevent the absorption of fats from food.

Acai berries are rich in fatty acids that benefit human health, and their fiber content aids digestion, improves gut flora, and promotes intestinal transit. People who consume them regularly experience better digestion.

From a nutritional standpoint, they are also a rich source of plant protein, making them especially suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and people with animal allergies.

Acai harvest season

Euterpe Oleracea palms continuously produce their fruit. Acai can be harvested twice a year since, being native to a tropical climate, it maintains optimal conditions for fruit production throughout the year. Acai berries typically cluster in groups of 3 to 5 bunches on the plant. Each bunch is capable of producing about 800 small fruits each time.

Is acai the same as acai berries?

Yes. Acai is the fruit that grows on the wild Euterpe Oleracea palm tree, so it is the same fruit. You can find it in stores under different names: “acai,” “acai berries,” or “bunches” if you buy the clusters that contain each group of small fruits.

What do they taste like?

It is very similar to wild raspberries. Some compare it to the characteristic flavor of natural chocolate, the bitter one, not the sweetened kind.

When you eat acai, you experience the astringent power of tannins. This is translated in the mouth as dryness on the tongue, gums, and bitterness in the mouth. The greener the fruit, the more bitter it is. But, like chocolate, it is not unpleasant, and many people find it delicious. Ripe acai berries leave a slightly sweeter taste.

You can enjoy this fruit in various ways. You can buy capsules or powder, and they are also used to make nutritious juices full of natural fiber.

Differences with green acai

It gets its name after undergoing the “lyophilization” process. Green acai refers to dehydrated berries through a freezing process to separate the water. This method ensures that the product can be handled and stored in perfect conditions for a long time without losing its properties. This process is widely used in the food industry, so it should not be surprising, even if it’s the first time you hear of it.

You should keep in mind that this process increases the cost of the product when you buy acai capsules or powder. Those with higher quality undergo very controlled processes that ensure a high purity level and that the properties remain intact.

Lyophilized green acai is the product after processing it to make it edible and remove the inedible parts for humans. Generally, it is a much less mature product and has more diuretic properties.

The term “green” is typically used to refer to the product for weight-loss purposes and diets aimed at losing weight. Weight-loss products often refer to acai berries as green or “green.”

Acai power

It is another way to refer to the same product. It comes from the use of the term “energy” in the United States and Brazil. Some words are translated, while others remain as promotional brands for acai. You can buy “Acai Power” in diet stores and herbal shops, usually in the section specialized in diets for weight loss.

Are acai berries from herbal stores better?

Typically, these stores carry a natural product that has undergone a lyophilization process to maintain the fruit’s natural conditions as much as possible. Generally, upon opening the package, you’ll notice a strong, concentrated aroma, which is due to the high quality and good conditions of the acai extract in powder or pressed tablet form.

Side effects

No side effects have been described for this fruit or its supplements, but like all foods or supplements, they should be taken in moderation. If you consume the concentrated product, the effects will be stronger, and what is good can turn into something negative. For example, fiber is great for preventing constipation, but exceeding the recommended amount can cause diarrhea.

This is just an example, as there are no statistical data or studies related to its adverse effects. However, in terms of contraindications, there are some relevant observations.

Where to buy

In Spain, you can purchase them in herbal shops and diet stores. In other countries, their accessibility depends on the region where you live. However, there is always the option of placing an online order, which will conveniently, simply, and affordably deliver the product to your home.