Pure, Fresh and Organic Acai, pronounced (ah-sa-ee), is an all natural super antioxidant energy fruit found in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. Its dark purple pigment is loaded with nature’s goodness, as its packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential omega fatty acids. Studies have showed that Acai has up to 30 times the anti-oxidant power as red wine and blueberries.
Unfortunately, Acai fruit is extremely perishable and begins to decay within 12 hours of harvesting. Something must be done to prevent the decomposition, and therefore the most commonly available form when it is found outside the Amazon is: in a mash mixed with water or other fruit juices, pills or powders, or mixed into a frozen sorbet or prepackaged smoothie.
But processing can also destroy many of the magical properties of the Acai Berry, and no pill or powder can contain the same levels of antioxidant properties as the real fruit; explaining why we dont see pills for blueberries or red wine. Mashing the berries into a bottle form can protect the berry. Monavie, Sambazon, bossanova and others are decent products that are nicely packaged and well marketed, but are mostly composed of water and other fruit juices, with very little Acai.
We do highly recommend the Amazon Thunder brand of Acai puree. Note that it is not called a juice – it is a semi-viscous paste that is not thinned out with water or cheaper juices.
The only other alternative that maintains the antioxident properties of the Acai berry is Acai Preserves, a whole berry fruit product that is thick, creamy and uses the mouthwatering berry juices, fruit and skin. Acai-Zone preserves are 98.5% Acai berry, mixed with just a touch of natural cane sugar. Acai preserves have a flavor reminiscent of chocolate syrup, but is still fruity. It is a dark purple color, with no separation or clumps. It’s definitely a solid puree type texture. The whole fruit preserve is not chemically treated or altered, nor frozen and therefore will deliver much higher levels of antioxidant properties and beneficial nutrients.
All of the Acai berries natural goodness can only be found in the fruit itself, and the less processing the better. So far, Amazon Thunder acai puree, and Acai-Zone preserves are the closest thing to picking the fresh fruit right off the tree, and actually much tastier!
Have it on ice-cream, in a peanut-butter sandwich, on pancakes, muffins or toast. We even have chefs cooking with it as a glaze for meats, also added to port wine to make a sauce reduction. Acai preserve is incredible mixed with yogurt, granola and sliced banana for all natural, low carbohydrate energy!
However the universal favorite way to enjoy the whole Acai berry fruit preserve is as a shake. Combine two to three table-spoons of Acai fruit preserve in a blender with 3 cubes of ice, 1 table-spoon of guarana syrup, honey or cane sugar, add 1 ripe banana or frozen strawberries. Using the blender, chop the ice and blend until it forms a smooth rich shake. Many like to add a handful of salted peanuts! Add water to thin-out if necessary. Natural energy!