SUPERFRUITS : AÇAÏ (Euterpe oleracea) Return to the Superfruits list - Next >

The juice and pulp of açaí fruits (Euterpe oleracea) are frequently used in various juice blends, smoothies, sodas, and other beverages. In northern Brazil, açaí is traditionally served with tapioca and sometimes sugar as we do with strawberries or blueberries. Açaí has become a fad in southern Brazil where it is consumed cold as açaí na tigela ("açaí in the bowl").

The dark color of açaí has led to several experimental studies of its anthocyanins, a group of polyphenols that give the deep color to berries, other fruits and vegetables and are high in antioxidant value under active research for potential health benefits.

As açaí deteriorates rapidly after harvest, its raw material is generally only available outside the immediate growing region as juice or fruit pulp that has been frozen, dried, or freeze-dried.

Monsieurnoni Inc. manufactures juice and other health drinks made from açaí berries in combination with other fruits.