The Brazilian delicacy called Acai berry is now the hottest topic of the food and medicine world.
Though they are available in various forms, the most delightful of recipes have been formulated to be palatable for almost everyone's taste.
The locals' traditional taste
The natives of the Amazon River basin have long consumed this amazing fruit. They have different recipes for savoring this berry and the most famous of them is making wine out of the fruit. Other recipes have been handed down for generations.
Different forms: The acai fruit can be made into a smoothie, juice, or into a health drink. The acai berry is not cooked or allowed to remain at room temperature. This is because the anthocyanins (the chemical components for which acai berries are highly favored) degrade very fast. So to prevent loss of the nutritional value of the acai berry, it should always be refrigerated. These recipes can be found on the internet with just a click. Some of the recipes are mentioned below;
Traditional Brazilian Style
About 200 grams of Acai berry is taken in a blender to which about 1/2 cup of soy milk and a banana is added. This is blended until smooth and served in a bowl with any favorite topping.
This is the basic of an Acai berry blend.
- Fruits like mango strawberry apple can also be added to give unique tastes.
- Yogurt, milk and cream are other options to be blended.
- Toppings like cashews or other nuts can be added
- Cookies or wafers can also be added to give a crunchy taste
Acai drink
Drinks are preferred by those on the move. Not only do they quench thirst they also are healthy. For this the Acai berry (100 gm) can be blended with milk or other fruit juices.
The Acai of relief is another popular dish made with the Acai berry. The ingredients are pure acai juice or extract and cachaza (3 oz each), club soda, lime and/or orange juice (2oz each) and 2T of agave nectar. These are first blended and then chopped fresh mint is mottled for flavor. This is poured over ice and relished. For garnishing, Mint sprig can be added.
The above dish will be a pleasant surprise to the tongue. With the cocoa flavored acai berry, lime to add that dash of tanginess, orange for the sweet flavor and club soda for the bubble freshness, anyone can guarantee this is just no mere drink. It is an experience.
Breakfast addition
Every day is best kick started with the acai berry. With its innumerable health benefits, anyone would be raring to go after oatmeal with acai berry. Acai berry pulp can be added for a unique taste.
Cornflakes with acai berry pulp are also a good try. Packed with all the vitamins and anti oxidants, this will surely be one the favorite breakfast ever.
» Pancakes: Pancakes have long been made with blueberries. Now Acai berry can be experimented with.
» Bowl of Energy: Acai berry's benefits are bountiful. The fruit in itself provides a lot of energy for the body. But when combined with other tasty and healthy items, it can provide the entire system with great energy.
In order to make this blend 8 oz. of Acai puree with 8 whole fresh or frozen strawberries, ¼ cup of plain yogurt, ¼ cup of soy milk and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract for about a minute, until it becomes smooth. Pour this mixture into a bowl and top with half cup granola and half cup of fresh berries or seasonal fruits.
» Variant: As a variant crumbled cookies may be substituted for granola. Fruits such as bananas and mangoes can be used in the same amount instead of strawberries.