The Açai Berry
Many forms of life in the Amazon depend upon the açai berry as a key food source. Historically, the açai berry has been a vital part of the culture among indigenous tribes. Açai palm trees grow mostly in floodplains. Due to frequent flooding and intense exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, açai trees are constantly subjected to oxidative stress. The highly adaptive açai palm trees have flourished in these extreme conditions to produce an extraordinary fruit that stands out in the world of fruits.
The açaí palm or aqai (Euterpe oleracea) is a species of palm tree in the genus Euterpe cultivated for their fruit and superior hearts of palm. Its name comes from the European adaptation of the Tupian word ïwasa’i, ‘[fruit that] cries or expels water’. Global demand for the fruit has expanded rapidly in recent years, and açaí is now cultivated for that purpose primarily. The closely-related species Euterpe edulis (jucara) is now predominantly used for hearts of palm. Eight species are native to Central and South America, from Belize southward to Brazil and Peru, growing mainly in swamps and floodplains. Açaí palms are tall, slender palms growing to 15–30 meters, with pinnate leaves up to 3 meters long.
The fruit, a small, round, black-purple drupe about 1-inch (25 mm) in diameter, similar in appearance and size to a grape but with less pulp, is produced in branched panicles of 500 to 900 fruits. Two crops of fruit are produced each year. The fruit has a single large seed about 0.25–0.40 inches (7–10 mm) in diameter. The exocarp of the ripe fruits is a deep purple color, or green, depending on the kind of açaí and its maturity. The mesocarp is pulpy and thin, with a consistent thickness of 1 mm or less. It surrounds the voluminous and hard endocarp, which contains a seed with a diminutive embryo and abundant endosperm.[citation needed] The seed makes up about 80% of the fruit.
What so special about Acai Berry?
Acai Berry is known as superfood and one of the most nourishing food on this planet. The goodness of Acai Berry offers uncountable of benefits towards a healthier lifestyle. It’s because this little might fruit contains high antioxidant potency compare to other fruits that we consuming everyday.
What can you expect from Acai Berry?
- It helps on increasing energy level
- Improved sexual performance
- Improved digestion
- improved heart health and sleep
- Reduction of Cholesterol level
