Açai is a South American super fruit that has similar or higher (depending on the resource) ORAC values (the amount of antioxidants) as blueberries, pomegranates and red grapes. Some sources claim that it has the highest ORAC value of any fruit or vegetable, whereas others rate it in the high to mid-range. By doing a search online, you can read volumes about this tiny little berry, but here are the key points. Açai contains:
– good amounts of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc
– high levels of vitamins like A, B, C and K
– more resveratrol than red wine
– many phytochemicals including antioxidants, flavonoids and plant sterols
– high amounts of fiber
– beneficial fatty acids
– amino acids (proteins)
– relatively low levels of sugar and calories
– amazing flavor
Due to its excellent nutritional profile, açai is believed to be beneficial for heart health, cancer prevention, arthritis, inflammation, metabolic disorders, the immune system and digestive issues. It has been used in traditional herbal medicine for diarrhea, parasites, stomach issues, and bleeding. It’s a great food for detox as well.
The berry is quite perishable, so for those of us in the US, we must buy it as a frozen purée or as a freeze-dried powder. We like to use the unsweetened frozen purée from Sambazon. They also make açai purées with berries, greens, etc., and most of those blends contain added sugar. If using a sweetened purée, eliminate the honey from the recipe.
Blend this with the other ingredients into a thick smoothie consistency and place in a bowl before adding your favorite toppings:
Want a change of pace? Make a Pitaya Energy Bowl:
| Prep Time | |
| 10 minutes |
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|
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Easy!
Moderate
Serves:2people
Serving Size:Half of everything
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When you need a turbo-charged breakfast, try our açai energy bowl. This was a popular breakfast dish served in Southern California when Rebecca was at university there. We’ve been able to recreate it using Sambazon Açai Purée. If you can’t find any, use frozen blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or a mixture. Another popular option is to combine half açai and half blueberries. See Variations for a pitaya (aka dragonfruit) bowl. Coconut milk is recommended although any non-dairy milk can be substituted.”
Tools:blender, knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
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- 2 (100g) packets frozen açai purée or 1-1/2 cups frozen berries
- 1 banana (frozen)
- 1/4 cup coconut milk or almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 lime (optional)
- 2/3 cup granola
- 1 banana
- 1 cup fresh berries
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (optional)
- 2 tablespoons nuts (optional)
- Combine frozen açai (or berries), banana, coconut milk, honey, and the juice of one lime in a blender. Blend until smooth. Adjust amounts as needed to reach the consistency of sorbet.
- Slice banana and fresh berries.
- Divide purée between 2 bowls.
- Sprinkle 1/3 cup granola over each serving.
- Arrange berries, banana slices, coconut, and nuts on top, as desired.
VARIATIONS:
- Mexican Pitaya Bowl – Substitute 2 cup frozen pitaya chunks for acai. Increase coconut milk to 1/2 cup and honey to 2 tablespoons.
- Hot and Cold Açai or Pitaya Bowl – Cook oatmeal or quinoa according to package instructions, using half water and half coconut or almond milk. Place a scoop of açai or pitaya purée on a serving of cooked oatmeal or quinoa. Add toppings.
Why go out and buy an acai bowl when you can make your own at home?? So tasty!!
And really easy to make, as long as you have the acai puree!