WHAT IS AÇAÍ?

Although it became popular in the USA only recently, açaí [ah-sigh-ee] has been the staple source of vitamins and nutrients for the native Amazonian people for centuries.  Its distinctive name is derived from Iaça [ah-ya-sah], the legendary daughter of an Indian Chief, whose discovery of açaí saved her tribe from extinction.

Açaí is a high energy berry that comes from a tall, thin Amazonian palm, the Acaizeiro.  The Acaizeiro grows wild in the Amazon Rainforest and produces about 6-8 clusters of berries, with each cluster holding more than 5 lbs of açaí palmberries.  When ripe, the açaí berry is dark purple.  "Hidden within its royal purple pigment is the magic that makes it nature's perfect energy fruit.  It is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.  Studies have shown that açaí is one of the healthiest and most powerful foods in the world."* 

Nutritious and delicious, açaí tastes like a vibrant blend of berries and chocolate.  Once you try it, you'll want it every day, not just for its health benefits, but for the taste.

*Source:  Perricone, Nicholas, M.D.  The Perricone Promise, Warner Books, 2004