| The acai berry grows in groves on 25 meter high palm | | | | find it in ice cream where it has a pale purple hue. It is |
| trees. Best known as a Brazilian fruit, the acai berry | | | | also sometimes incorporated into a side dish at the |
| can also be found throughout Colombia, Venezuela, | | | | evening meal, where it is thickened with tapioca flour |
| Ecuador and the Guyanas. Acai can be harvested | | | | and served with fish, shrimp, meat, rice and beans. |
| year-round due to South America's warm climate. | | | | While commercial opportunties abound for acai, there |
| While it is becoming widely known in North America | | | | is increasing awareness of the environmental impact |
| for its its use in vitamin supplements, juices and energy | | | | of acai harvesting. The acai plant is necessary for soil |
| drinks, acai has traditionally been used by South | | | | conservation, particularly in tropical areas that receive |
| Americans to treat diseases and conditions such as | | | | heavy rains. Only a portion of the 1,000,000 hectares |
| stomach ailments. | | | | of acai groves are currently being developed using |
| In addition to being used for medicinal purposes, acai is | | | | sustainable management techniques, however certain |
| an important part of daily life and mealtime. However, | | | | juice distributors are working with local farmers to |
| the acai berry is extremely delicate and thus cannot | | | | cultivate the acai berry more responsibly. Areas like |
| be kept more than 2 days, even refrigerated. | | | | Para now export up to 80% of its acai pulp throughout |
| Throughout Brazil, such as in the state of Para, acai | | | | Brazil and the world, including Japan, the U.S, South |
| berries are harvested and sold immediately in town | | | | America and Europe. Sustainability must be an ongoing |
| markets. It is widely available and made by locals into | | | | priority so that native acai tree forests are protected. |
| juices or “acai wine,” which requires additional | | | | In the long term, these careful measures will positively |
| processing. It's also added as a component of | | | | benefit the commercial acai industry. |
| breakfast. Depending on the region of Brazil, you may | | | | |