I have always loved eating delicious açaí bowls for breakfast. I am a big smoothie or bowl eater to start my day. Did you know açaí berries are grown in the Amazon in Brazil? In the past few years, açaí is gain so much popularity in the US but has been a huge part of the diet in Brazil for years. These little berries are grown on trees in the Amazon rainforest and contain pits. The berries grow in small bunches but açaí is not really a berry. It is considered a drupe because it has a central pit, similar to peaches, apricots, and olives. In the wild, açaí berries actually have a very tough outer skin so need to be soaked to soften up before mashing. These berries do not transport well and have an extremely short shelf life. That is why in the US, we only find açaí in frozen, powder, or juiced form.
If I go for a run in the morning, I always found myself stopping to grab an açaí bowl to fuel myself, post run. Then when I was shopping at Trader Joes this summer, I found frozen açaí packets. I immediately grabbed a few packages and was so excited to make an açaí bowl at home. This is way cheaper and I can control the ingredients that I include. I am always changing it up based upon what we have in our fridge and pantry. Theses beautiful little bowls are just so delicious and super healthy!
Açaí berries contain antioxidants similar to blueberries. The antioxidants help with digestive health, keeping skin healthy, can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Cheers to starting your day off healthy!
Acai Bowl
Açaí base ingredients
- 1 frozen açaí packet
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 5 strawberries
- 1/2 cup kale or spinach
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 3/4 cup non dairy milk (if you like thicker consistency, use 1/2 cup)
Toppings
- 1 tbsp nut butter
- 2 tbsp shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup granola
- 5-6 sliced strawberries
Blend all the açaí base ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into bowl and arrange toppings. Super easy! Enjoy!