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Acai Berry: a ‘Super Fruit’

Acai bowls and smoothies have grown recently in popularity, but I wasn’t quite sure exactly what they were so I decided to do some research before creating my first bowl! I learned acai berries (grown on the acai palm tree of course) are a staple food of the Amazon region, and have recently been praised as a Brazilian ‘super fruit‘.

Some impressive health benefits which give them their nickname are to follows:

Acai Berries are…

• 1. Nutrient Dense, containing healthy fats and low amounts of sugar, as well as many trace minerals and plant compounds.
• 2. Loaded with Antioxidants, boasting three times the amount found in blueberries.
• Additionally, Acai berries 3. May Improve Cholesterol Levels, 4. May be an ‘Anti-Cancer’ Fruit, and 5. Have been Linked to Boosting Brain Function

The Acai Bowl:

When researching acai bowl recipes recipes I realized there are SO many variations, however most consist of a standard base containing a blended mixture of the 1. frozen acai berries, 2. a chosen liquid, and 3. frozen fruit. This base is then topped with a variety of fixings. Naturally, I decided my first Acai creation would be a tropical inspired bowl!

🌴 Tropical Acai Bowl 🌴 🕑 Prep Time: About 20 minutes (allow 1 hour if freezing the banana) 🍴 Yields: 1 serving
INGREDIENTS:
BASE: 🌴 1 *Trader Joe’s Organic Acai Puree Packet 🌴 1 cup *Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend (contains frozen strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries) 🌴 **1 frozen banana 🌴 1/2 cup almond milk TOPPINGS: 🌴 ~1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple 🌴 ~1/4 cup chopped fresh mango 🌴 ~1/4 cup mix of chopped strawberries and kiwi 🌴 ~1/4 cup *Trader Joe’s Toasted Coconut Granola 🌴 Sprinkle of *Trader Joe’s Coconut Flakes to your liking 🌴 Sprinkle of chia seeds to your liking
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Run frozen acai puree packet under warm water for ~5-10 seconds. Break into a few pieces and combine in blender with frozen mixed berries, frozen banana, and almond milk. Blend until smooth. 2. Pour mixture into bowl and cover with toppings!!! Best if eaten right away 🤙🏻
I served in my super cute and sustainable coconut bowl!!
*For reference pictures of the Trader Joe’s exclusive items, see picture below. **To freeze the banana, peel and cut into half inch slices. Place in freezer on parchment paper or plastic plate for at least an hour.

For more on Coconut Bowls, view my full post here.

Till next time fellow tropics! 🌴