'Purple Gold': Antioxidant-Rich Acai (including recipe: Acai Pudding)

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea), pronounced ‘AH-sigh-EE’, is the dark purple, fruit of a wild palm native to the Amazon Rainforest, particularly in Brazil. Açaí fruit are a lot like blueberries or grapes—with the flesh and skin being vitamin and nutrient-rich.  Each ‘berry’ contains a large pit/seed which takes up approximately 80% of the ‘berry’. The açaí fruit are actually drupes; drupes are fruits with a central pit/seed rather than a lot of small seeds inside.

Açaí fruit has high levels of anthocyanins, a flavonoid known for its antioxidant effects and ability to minimize the damage to cells from free radicals.  It is these anthocyanidins that give red wine, grapes, pomegranate and red and purple berries their colour.

Açaí also contains proanthocyanidins, and other flavonoids, phytosterols and fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) as well as fibre and protein.  These fruits are so nutrient-rich they have been referred to as ‘Purple Gold’.  Açaí fruit are an excellent source of antioxidant polyphenols and are said to contain ten times more antioxidants than blueberries.

Açaí powders are easy to add to recipes—including breakfast bowls and smoothies.  The powder also is great for adding colour (and nutrients) to toppings. 

Why not try some ‘Purple Gold’ powder in this no-cooking-required recipe….

Blog text by Rose Holmes, Nutritionist, BSc, Dip.ION, PGCE, mBANT