Açai
Brazilian palm Euterpe oleracea mart

USEFUL

Açai palm is a genus of 25-30 species of palms. It is a very tall slender plant, growing upwards of 15 to 25 m. Acai 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. Acai berries have essential minerals like potassium, iron, phosphorus and calcium. Açai berry is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, extremely rich in organic vegetable protein that lowers the bad cholesterol and raises the good cholesterol. Açai berries have Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids. Locally grown hearts of palm has also been shown to be beneficial. The Açai berry is available as dried pulp. Because of its high phenolic content, the phytochemical-enriched Açai oil from Açai fruit offers a promising alternative to traditional tropical oils for food, supplements, and cosmetics.