General Information
The Acai berry is the fruit of the Acai Palm. Once known only to natives of the Amazon Rainforest, the acai berry is now being sought after for its exceptional antioxidant power and health qualities. Although the acai berry is legendary in Brazil, only recently has its popularity spread to America. The acai berry is generally small, round, and purple. Some varieties are green. Acai has been described as tart and likened to chocolate. Acai juice is often blended with other berries for sweetness.
History
Euterpe oleracea is mostly native to Brazil, Trinidad and other countries of northern South America, mainly in swamps and floodplains. Açaí palms are tall, slender trees growing to more than 25 m (82 ft) tall, with pinnate leaves up to 3 m (9.8 ft) long. The fruit is small, round, and black-purple in color and may be sold as a frozen fruit puree or bottled juice drink with added sugar.
