Podcast: Download (Duration: 28:59 — 26.5MB)
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with the young and vibrant team of entrepreneurs from Amazonia, an Australian importing and distribution company for the Açaí berry. Dwayne Martens (26), Jesse Kaniecki (25) and Chris Norden (33) epitomise Aussie culture – tanned, toned, cool surfers in their 20’s living the Bondi life, they’re single guys who ooze health from every pore…the sort of guys you can’t help but get along with. However, beneath their ‘beachy’ exterior, they have cultured a truly unique business in Amazonia www.purpleberry.com.au. From very humble beginnings to a global, multi-million dollar success story in just three years; their values remain the same as they always have been – ethical, passionate and positive.
Have a listen tot eh podcast to find out about the Açaí berry frm the boys themselves. Then below is some further reading if you’re interested in knowing more about this amazing superfood.
Açaí Berry
Açaí, pronounced as ah-sigh-ee, berry comes from the Açaí palm trees. Açaí palm trees are native to the Amazon forests of South America and can grow from 15 to 30 meters. They are not just cultivated for their Açaí berries but for their edible palm hearts as well. An Açaí palm tree can produce 20 kilograms of Açaí berries every year.
Açaí berries are grape-like berries and can be deep purple or green, depending on their specie and maturity. Inside Açaí berries is one large seed that is about 80% of the overall size of the fruit. And because the berries are mostly made up of seed, they have very little or thin pulp.
Açaí berries are said to be a combination of blackberry or raspberry and a chocolate in taste. They have a refreshing flavor that it isn’t especially sweet. Although Açaí berries can be eaten raw, they are usually consumed as processed and combined in different foods and beverages.
Nutritional Value
Açaí berries are maybe small in size but a handful of claims say they are packed with nutritional benefits. Açaí berries have been placed in the “super food cluster” because they are rich in antioxidants and fiber among others. It is also said that they contain heart-healthy fats that can reduce blood cholesterol level and heart disease risk.
Açaí berries have been popular mainly for their weight loss properties. However, it hasn’t been proven that Açaí berries can indeed help one lose weight. There’s very limited study being conducted about Açaí berries. In general, the health benefits of Açaí berries remain in question and still need to be confirmed.
Buying
If you are living far from the native land of Açaí berries, you will not be able to find fresh Açaí berries. This is because Açaí berries spoil within 24 hours if not consumed or processed. They need to be processed when harvested to extend their expiration.
To make the Açaí berries accessible to people, Açaí berries are commonly processed and marketed in different forms. You can either have Açaí berries in pulp, juice or powder. Açaí berries have also been made available in supplements. You can have your fair share of Açaí berries in these forms by looking for them in health stores, gourmet shops or online.
To ensure that you are buying quality Açaí berry products, go for brands that you can trust. Since Açaí berries are hot item for scammers, do your research first before settling to a certain brand. Avoid providers that are making over the top claims about their products.
Storage
Since Açaí berries come in processed forms, how you would store it would depend on the type of Açaí berry product you are using. For example, if you have it in juice form, you have to adhere to the instructions of the brand. Make sure that you have completely read and understand the instructions provided before using it.
Using
Because of the refreshing and not so sweet taste of Açaí berries, they can practically be blended in a number of food and drink recipes. Açaí berry pulps can be tossed in salads and stir-fry vegetables. They can be incorporated to whole grain dishes as well. Açaí berry pulps and juice can be combined with any fruits to make smoothies too. One can also make a sorbet out of Açaí berries puree. An Açaí-berry flavored bread is also possible.
When an Açaí berry product will be used for recipes that would require cooking, it is best to use Açaí berry pulps as much as possible instead of Açaí berry juice. This is because the nutritional value of Açaí berries can reduce when heated. If Açaí juice will be used, the easier it will be for the nutrients to evaporate.
