Who hasn't wondered whether it is pronounced Akai, Asai or Assa-i? Assai-i is correct, with the accent on the i. But even more exciting is what you can do with it.
From the acai berry to acai powder
Acai powder is made from ground and dried acai berries. The acai berry originates from South America and is cultivated in Brazil in particular. It has been consumed there for centuries and has a reputation for being indispensable. Acai berries do not grow on bushes, as one would imagine with berries, but on the so-called cabbage palm. To grow well, the palm needs a warm and humid or even swampy climate. The dark blue-purple acai berry looks a little like the native blueberry, but is a maximum of two centimetres in size and therefore slightly larger. The berry contains a seed that makes up more than two thirds of the whole fruit. Only the soft skin and the flesh around the stone are edible. It therefore takes a lot of berries to obtain a sufficient quantity to make the powder. The skins and flesh are turned into acai powder by drying and grinding them after harvesting.
What is in acai powder?
The acai berry is considered a true superfood. It is said to be particularly rich in antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids. Antioxidants in your body are said to help strengthen the immune system, slow down ageing processes in the body and ward off inflammation more successfully, among other things. Overall, the substances are said to provide more vitality, strength, energy and well-being. For a fruit, the acai berry contains a lot of fat and therefore also a higher number of calories. There are around 250 kilocalories per 100 grams. However, the fats in the berry are of very high quality and are needed by the body to build cells, for example. The many proteins and the relatively low proportion of natural fructose also speak in favor of the acai berry. In addition, a high proportion of magnesium and potassium ensures that your muscles are ideally nourished and regenerated. Finally, the berry also ensures good digestion. Around 40 % of the acai berry's ingredients are fiber. Dietary fiber helps to ensure smooth, regular digestion and can counteract constipation. Of course, the berry is not a miracle cure and all the effects attributed to it are desirable, but cannot be achieved by consuming the berry alone. However, acai powder is definitely a very healthy food that also tastes exotic and exciting and can be used in a variety of ways.
What can you do with acai powder?
In Brazil, the acai berry is processed into a variety of products. Acai oil is obtained by pressing the flesh of the berry, which is consumed there on its own or in combination with other foods. But you can also use the powder itself to make more than just acai bowls. For example, the powder can be put into a tea bag and infused with hot water. The acai tea tastes fruity and aromatic and can also be mixed with other dried berries. A spoonful or two of the powder in your smoothie not only provides a beautiful rich color, but also the ultimate vitamin kick. Acai also goes perfectly with desserts such as quark, pudding or creams. You can thicken the powder a little and use it as a sauce or puree as a topping. If you have always wanted to make your own ice cream, acai powder is ideal for incorporating into a fine ice cream mixture. Because the powder is very fine, but also contains fat, it provides the ideal ice cream consistency and also a great strong color.
