Açai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is a small, round, dark purple fruit that grows in clusters on the açaí palm tree. It's native to the rainforests of Central and South America, and is a staple food for indigenous people in the region.
Taste and texture:
- Açai has an earthy taste with notes of chocolate, blackberry, or raspberry
- It has a tartness from its high acidity content
- The texture is granular before blending, and creamy after
Health benefits:
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Açai is high in antioxidants, which may help prevent cell damage and disease. Some studies suggest that açai may be helpful for people with prostate cancer.
Preparation:
- Açai can be purchased frozen, dried, as juice, or as powder
- To make an açai bowl, you can blend frozen açai with milk, yogurt, and fruit
- You can also add granola, cereal, coconut, nut or seed butter, or nuts and seeds