The Acai tree is a type of a palm tree. Its Latin name is Euterpe oleracea.

The tree grows to 25 feet in height and blooms from September to January. Acai berry fruit is very similar to grapes but the only difference is that acai berries give less juice than grapes. The berry has two main parts. There is a part with one large seed, which occupies about 80 percent of the fruit and the remaining 20 percent is fleshy. Above all, asai tree grows exclusively in rainforests in the northern flow of the Amazon.

Acai tree usually gives two harvests per year. Color of mature fruit is deep purple or green depending on the kind of acai tree and its maturity, as well.

Berries from Amazon are served as food. Studies of three traditional tribes of this part of the world have shown that the fruit from acai tree is the most common in the diet of the local population, because 40 percent of the food that enters their bodies consists of berries from acai tree.

The juice and pulp of acai fruits are used in various mixtures of juices, soft drinks, and other types of beverages. In northern Brazil, barriers from acai tree are traditionally served in containers similar to those of the coconut. More over, depending on local customs they can be served salty or sweet with sugar, honey or sugar cane juice. In Brazil, berries from acai tree are widely used for ice creams or juices. However, acai berry juice is also used as a base for various types of liquors.

Acai berries are phenomenal as antioxidants and more over they increase energy levels and the potential of the organism. They are so rich in minerals that it is no wonder they became such a hit and a favorite food of all those people that care about their health and natural food.

Picking acai berries

When acai berries are picked from the acai tree, they very quickly begin to deteriorate and to lose part of their fat. This is exactly why is difficult to see these berries at the market or in health food stores. Furthermore, fresh berries are not available in all parts of Brazil and moreover it is impossible to find fresh berries even in Rio. After picking from the acai tree, berries are good only for the next 24 hours. To preserve them sellers have to freeze them.

What Brazilians do with the acai berry?

If you choose acai berry as a supplement to your regular diet,experts recommend daily dose of 1000-4000 mg, which is far smaller portion than the Brazilians eat. It is estimated that 42 percent of their diet is based on this fruit.

In Brazilian folk medicine Ascai oil is used to treat diarrhea, root for the improvement of blood count and hepatitis, acai pulp is good for ulcers, and from the seeds they made tea against high temperature. The essence of the root is also used for malaria, hepatitis, diabetes, hair loss, bleeding, kidney disease, menstrual pain and pain in the bones.

At last, many studies have confirmed the beneficial health ingredients of Acai berry and the acai berry.

By: Emily Hutchens