Where to Get Acai Berries

The fruit of the Acai tree is high in demand since the desire to be and stay healthy has increased. In fact, the antioxidant content alone has been linked to weight reduction, metabolism boosting, and athletic enhancement. Its taste is described between that of chocolate and wine and is very popular with the wine tasters, chocolate lovers and overall health enthusiasts. The Acai grows in the rain forests of Brazil and its neighboring countries along the Amazon river. The fruit or whole berry form is only available in South and Central America. However, there are a number of other acai products that can be purchased.

History

The fruit is named after an Indian chief's daughter, Iaca, that lost her newborn to a rule that originated when the food supply had diminished in the village. Her baby was killed so that others in the village wouldn't think he was an unfair ruler. She imagined she heard the baby cry out and followed the sound to an acai tree. Overwhelmed by her babies unnecessary death, she stayed to die under the tree. Once the tribesmen found her, the harsh rule was disposed of and the fruit was named after her by being spelled backward. The tribesmen ate the fruit, which made them stronger and healthier than ever.

Raw

There has been a shortage of acai in the Amazonian region because of over harvesting and the lack of resources needed to sustain this highly sought after crop. It is only shipped overseas in the form of capsules, freeze-dried pulp, juices, energy drinks, dietary supplement powders, sorbet and smoothies. It is not possible to get the raw fruit shipped to the United States because it degrades within 24 hours.

Supplements

The acai supplements come in three forms. Capsule or pill form is available in bottles of 60 or more. The most potent and expensive form is the freeze-dried supplement. Freeze-dried, spray-dried and acai berry extract are the various forms of powders available. All the different types of supplements can be found in local food cooperatives and health food stores. Many online distributors sell the supplements, as well.

Drinks

Juice products are often made from the acai fruit using the pulp or extracted juice. There are many brands of the juice, and some dilute their juice products with cheaper juices. Other companies add other fruits and berries that are nutritious such as blueberries, which are high in antioxidants. Healthy phytonutrients found in the berry are more concentrated in the juice. Juice products can be found in local health food stores. Whole Foods Market offers a blend called Gojilania, which contains a goji and acai blend. The juice also contains pineapple and apple concentrate. Many health food stores also offer acai berry energy drinks.

Preserves

The best way to get the whole berry is in the preserves because its used for the production of the jam. Making toast with it or adding it to a shake has been the most popular way to get the nutrients from the whole berry. The product is barely processed and is the closest to the whole fruit, therefore it retains all of its nutritional properties. It contains acai fruit, and cane sugar for the acceleration into the jam state. Preserves are more commonly found through online distributors and are more rare in local health food stores.

References

• Acai Fruit
• History of the Acai Berry
• Acai Berry Juice

Resources

• Acai Berry Products