Acai Berry

Acai (ah-sigh-ee) berries are an Amazonian wild berry harvested from palm trees. They are getting a lot of hype because they contain 20 times the antioxidants compared to blueberries, the long touted super-berry. Acai berries are still unavailable in most areas of the world, but if you are lucky enough to live in an area where acai is imported they are a healthy compliment to your diet. The berries are a bit tart, but you will not find them fresh unless you are visiting Brazil. Frozen berries and acai juice products are what you are most likely to find. I personally enjoy acai berries as the native Amazonians do, in an acai bowl. These bowls consist on an acai-based, frozen smoothie or sorbet on bottom, sprinkled with granola and topped with sliced fruit like bananas and strawberries. Amazonians eat these for any meal of the day and it is obvious why…they are AMAZING! I am fortunate to live in an area where an acai-bowl eatery, Vitality Bowls, serves organic, all natural bowls to my family every Sunday morning. It is quite frankly the only reason we go for a Sunday morning walk. If you are not lucky enough to have an acai bowl eatery near home you can create one of these insanely delicious creations at home with the help of Sambazon, a company that has brought acai berries to market in the form of juices using a sustainable business model that promotes the environment and the Amazonian community. Check the grocery store for Sambazon bottled acai juice near the Naked and Odwalla displays.

I love the Original Breakfast Bowl

To make: combine 2 packets of Sambazon frozen smoothie, half a banana and little apple juice in a blender, being sure to add just enough apple juice to keep it super thick like sorbet. Scoop the paste-like smoothie into a bowl and top with an all natural granola. Slice the other half of the banana over the top and add some sliced strawberries. Go wild by adding shredded coconut or a drizzle of honey.

Visit the Sambazon website for additional recipes www.sambazon.com