Description

Acai palm is a genus of 25-30 species of palms. It is very tall and slender, growing 15 to 25 m in height.  Acai palm thrive in seasonally flooded areas in soils often waterlogged for months.  Acai only grows in the Amazon Rainforest and is very perishable.  The berries deteriorate rapidly after harvest, so outside its growing region it is generally only available as juice or frozen fruit pulp. 

Habitat and Distribution

It is native to tropical Central and South America, from Belize south to Brazil and Peru, growing mainly in floodplains and swamps.  The species oleracea is one of seven in the genus Euterpe. 

Uses and Cultivation

Acai is a widely distributed, prolific palm tree, very widely grown because of the properties of the Acai fruit and the use of the heart of the palm as a staple food in Brazil.  This palm tree is native to the Amazon region of South America. 

Although not quite the proverbial ‘Fountain of Youth’, acai berries, in the oleracea species, are considered to be one of the most nutritious and powerful foods on earth due to its great concentration of antioxidants, healthy fats, and fibers. These berries are loaded with antioxidants, about 20 times more than red wine, which helps fight aging.  Acai is proven to help fight aging and is a natural anti-inflammatory. 

Acai berries have been consumed by humans for an unknown amount of time, even before the arrival of the Europeans.  Acai berries have essential minerals like potassium, iron, phosphorus and calcium.  Acai berry is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, extremely rich in organic vegetable protein that lowers bad and raises good cholesterol.  Acai berries have Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids.  The fruit is small, round and blackish purple. It looks like a grape, but smaller and darker.  Acai juice, blends and pulp powder are now widely distributed beyond the Amazon, and are part of the nutraceuticals industry worldwide. 

Acai has been enjoyed for decades by the people of Brazil.  It is called the only super berry on the market that has everything that you need, naturally from only the berry itself.  Acai has completely changed the economic landscape in the Amazon Rainforest.  Because it’s grown organically and marketed worldwide, it helps preserve the rainforest.