All About Acai Bowls

I have two burning questions:

1) Have you discovered acai?

2) Do you know how to pronounce it?

I had heard of acai for years (though I still hadn’t mastered its pronunciation). I figured acai was just the next trendy health craze that would soon fade away and make room for the next trendy health craze. I’m generally not one to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to trendy health crazes, so I didn’t bother with it.

Until last year. And now I’m a believer.

As a matter of fact, my life has sort of become BA and AA. “Before Acai” and “After Acai.”

Game. Changer.

What is Acai?

So…what is acai? And what’s the fuss all about?

Let’s start with the pronunciation: either “ah-sigh-ee” or “ah-sah-ee,” emphasis on second syllable.

Three syllables for a four-letter word – that’s how much punch it packs.

The acai berry leads a bit of a charmed life. The acai is a type of palm tree found in the rainforests of Central and South America, particularly in the Amazon region of countries such as Brazil. These palm trees produce marble-sized fruits, almost grape-like, called acai berries.

These berries have been deemed a superfruit by many. They’re a pretty purple color to boot, and unbelievably delicious.

Why is Acai Good for You?

So what makes them so good for you? Acai berries are packed with antioxidants and fiber. They are also a surprisingly good source of heart-healthy fats! Surprising because that’s not common for a fruit.

So again I ask – where have they been all my life?

Well, due to their short shelf life, acai berries are rarely found in grocery stores. They are instead exported as juices, powders, and frozen purees.

Making an Acai Bowl

I use the freeze-dried powder form of acai as it’s the most nutrient-dense, easiest to store, and doesn’t contain any sugar.

I started making acai bowls about a year ago when a friend mentioned to me that her vegan daughter-in-law made them every day. I thought that sounded a little “out there.” But as a vegetarian (actually pescatarian, if we’re being particular), I decided to give them a try. Because vegetarians/pescatarians/vegans need all the options they can get.

So I bought myself some acai and whipped up a bowl.

And I haven’t stopped whipping (or blending) since.

Seriously. Acai bowls are heaven in a bowl – both nutritionally and taste-wise!

I wish I could bring you all into my kitchen and make you your very own acai bowl complete with the toppings you love best. But as that doesn’t seem possible, I’ll tell you how I make mine – almost daily:

Alison’s Almost Daily Acai Bowl

• 3/4 to 1 c unsweetened plain almond milk (depends how thick you’d like it)
• 1 scoop vanilla or plain protein powder (I use Vega)
• 1/2 c frozen organic berries (I like blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries)
• 3/4 – 1 frozen banana (you could try 1/2 – 2/3 of an avocado if you don’t have a frozen banana)
• 3T acai powder
• 1T chia seeds (for the added nutrition boost – optional)

Adding the milk first, blend it all up for about 45 seconds in a blender or smoothie maker (I use – and love – my Ninja)!

Top this delectable bowl with 1 tsp each of coconut flakes, raw sunflower seeds, and pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Or use walnuts and/or homemade granola as a topping. Experiment to find the acai bowl you love best.

This is one bandwagon I’m staying on for life!

Enjoy!