Açaí: four ways to eat the fashionable fruit

For a couple of years, açaí, a fruit from the Amazon, has been increasingly used and consumed in Peru. Its great flavor and contribution of antioxidants has made it the favorite of many cafeterias and specialized stores. In this note we show you what are the best combinations to make your own açaí bowl at home.

Alfredo Portugal, one of the partners of OakBerry, an original company from Brazil that is a specialist in azaí in the world, explains that this fruit has been “very well accepted in Peru”. “Basically OakBerry Peru came through me and two friends, who teamed up to bring this Brazilian franchise to Peru. The brand was created at the end of 2016 and now there are more than 600 stores in the world. The growth has been very fast. In Peru, we are seven stores, all in Lima, but we want to reach the provinces soon”comment.

Portugal indicates that although the brand is Brazilian, the Peruvian palate is unique and because of them, all the venues in this country have more toppings and combinations than other places in the world. “The açaí What you eat at OakBerry Peru is the same as what you eat in Brazil or any other country, but the toppings are designed for the local palate. In Peru, we are lucky to have many fruits, which are not as expensive as in the United States or Europe. We have many super foods. For example, only here we have cañihua pop”, indicates.

As indicated, depending on how the azaí is combined, we can have a snack or even a full meal. For example, if we add protein powder, we will have a tasty replacement for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If we put more fruit or dulce de leche, we will have more of a dessert.

Below are the recipes that OakBerry Peru prepared especially for Provecho.

Protein Acai:

This preparation is perfect to replace a main meal like breakfast, it is also ideal for after physical activity. Protein powder is a good option, but if you don’t have it, with peanut butter, we are also adding a few grams of this macronutrient.

Ingredients:

• Acai Pulp
• protein powder
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon granola
• Half a chopped banana

Preparation:

Blend the açaí pulp and once ready. Add the toppings. You can blend it with the protein powder or switch it up and add it to the bowl when you add the peanut butter, granola and banana.

fruity açaí:

If you have constipation problems or your digestion is usually very slow, this bowl is the perfect one for you. By having chia pudding and sunflower seeds, it provides a lot of fiber. In addition, fruits such as strawberries and aguaymanto provide vitamin C and fiber. Oat flakes, ideally should be toasted, add fiber and prevent blood glucose from rising rapidly.

Ingredients:

• Acai Pulp
• 3 tablespoons of chia pudding
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons rolled oats
• Strawberries
• golden gooseberries

Preparation:

Blend the açaí pulp. Then assemble the bowl in layers. Add the pulp, add the oat flakes, then the sunflower seeds and finally the chia pudding with the fruits.

Acai Smoothie:

If you don’t have much time to eat a bowl of açaí, the smoothie is an option for you. In addition, it is very simple to prepare and it is super refreshing, perfect for this summer season.

Ingredients:

• Acai pulp
• ½ tablespoon of lucuma powder
• Mango

Preparation:

Transfer the açaí pulp to a blender, add the lucuma powder and add the chopped mango. In minutes, you’ll have a delicious mix.

Açaí with peanut butter:

One of the richest combinations that you can prepare at home is that of acai pulp with peanut butter. In case you are allergic to peanuts, you can use cashew, almond or hazelnut butter.

Ingredients:

• Acai pulp
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• ½ cup of shredded coconut
• dragon fruit
• blueberries
• Mango

Preparation:

Blend the açaí pulp. Then assemble the bowl with a layer of acai, a layer of peanut butter, a layer of acai, a layer of peanut butter. Decorate with dragon fruit, mango and blueberries.