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Little Berry, Big Wallop

The acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) and its amazing properties are fairly new to the American market, but Amazonian tribes have been utilizing this wonder fruit for years. The acai berry grows on the acai palm tree in the rain forests of Brazil, Panama, French Guyana and Trinidad. Called “the Tree of Life” by Brazilian locals, the acai berry is fast becoming a “super food” in the eyes of consumers. Loaded with disease and toxin-fighting antioxidants (such as anthocyanin) as well as amino acids, fatty acids(the good kind!), protein, fiber and various other necessary minerals and vitamins, acai packs a big wallop for a little berry.

So What Makes The Acai Berry So Super?

  • Its high levels of antioxidants promote overall body health and fight free radicals.
  • It contains amino acids and fatty acids essential to overall body health.
  • It is high in protein and fiber compared to many fruits.
  • It can help boost energy levels.
  • It may help strengthen your immune system.
  • It can help with healthy weight loss.
  • It slows down the aging process.
  • It helps add luster to skin and nails.
  • It may help regulate cholesterol levels.
  • It can improve circulation.
  • And much, much more….

Harvesting the Acai Berry

Acai was introduced to the United States through two surfers visiting Brazil to celebrate the new millennium. Once they tasted the berry (which tastes like a mix between berry and chocolate) and felt its rejuvenating effects, the surfers knew this super fruit was just what the health-conscious consumers in America needed and so they founded Sambazon Acai. Unfortunately, getting fresh acai berries to the United States markets was nearly impossible.

Because the acai berry is composed of 30-50% fat, its potent health benefits are only good for up to about 24 hours; the berry gets rancid any longer than that. Unfortunately, 24 hours is too short to ship the fruit north to the U.S. Instead, the fruit must be frozen or freeze dried for shipment and use in products.

Due to its fragility, harvesting the acai berry can be a tough job. It hangs at the top of the trees in clusters, similar to grapes, which harvesters must climb to carefully pick. Once picked, the berry is processed to remove the seed or pit and leave only the pulp to be freeze dried, frozen or made into acai products. And from there, it is on to the markets, to help thousands of people every day lead healthier, happier lives!