HOW TO PRONOUNCE ACAI AND WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

If you’ve been to a smoothie shop, chances are you’ve seen Acai listed as an ingredient.  But what is Acai, and how do you pronounce it?

HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE ACAI?

Acai is pronounced /ah-sigh-ee/ according to Sambazon, the company responsible for first bringing the fruit to the United States almost twenty years ago. The word acai means “fruit that cries” since it expels water and comes from a family of indigenous languages called Tupi-Guaraní, which are only spoken in a few regions in South America.

WHAT IS ACAI?

Acai is a small, round, blackish-purple fruit from the acai palm tree, which is native to Central and South America. The fruit has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. It’s often compared to a cross between a grape and a raspberry.

Acai berries are harvested from the acai palm tree and then either made into juice or powder or frozen and sold as “acai beads.” The juice and powder are commonly used as ingredients in smoothies, while the beads are typically used in acai bowls (Brazilian breakfast food).

ARE ACAI BOWLS HEALTHY?

Recent studies have shown that acai berries are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that can benefit health. For example, these tasty berries have been shown to boost heart health, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and aid in weight loss.  Acai berries also contain an incredibly high amount of antioxidants, edging out other antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries and cranberries.

So, the next time you see acai on a menu at your favorite health food store, don’t be afraid to try it! Its unique flavor and health benefits make it a great addition to any meal or snack. PLUS…It tastes absolutely delicious!

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