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The acai berry: The journey from the Amazon rainforest to your table

06/09/2025 | Sustainable RDN |

The story of açaí begins in the depths of the Amazon rainforest, where local tribes regarded it as a precious source of energy and vitality. It’s no coincidence that the name “açaí” means “fruit that cries” in the Tupi language, referring to how the pulp flows from the fruit. 

For generations, Amazonian communities have harvested these small purple berries from the elegant Euterpe oleracea palms, developing traditional harvesting and preparation techniques that continue to this day. (La Caí, 2025) 

Today, acai (ah-sigh-EE) berries are grown in the rainforests of South America including Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia and Peru. 

From Traditional Food to Global Recognition  

The transformation of this small berry from a traditional Amazonian food to a globally recognized superfood is a fascinating story of discovery and innovation. In the 1990s, Brazilian researchers began scientifically studying its exceptional nutritional properties. 

This scientific recognition for this small berry coincided with growing interest in superfoods in Western countries. From professional athletes to nutrition experts, more and more people began incorporating açaí into their diet, contributing to its growing popularity. (La Caí, 2025) 

The global acai berry products market is estimated to grow by 1.26 billion dollars from 2025-2029, according to Technavio (PR Newswire, January 25, 2025). 

The Acai Berry in Colombia: Using Agroforestry to Promote Sustainability 

After more than 50 years of war, the peace agreement signed in Colombia in 2016 represents new opportunities for growth for Colombia. However, Colombia still faces significant social and environmental challenges, especially in the region most affected by the armed conflict, such as Putumayo. 

One of the main socio-environmental problems facing these areas is the loss of forest cover due to the lack of sustainable alternatives. The main factors driving deforestation are extensive livestock farming and the illegal and indiscriminate logging of forests, either for timber sales or for converting them into plots for illicit crops.  

Through the açaí and other Amazonian fruits value chain, Amapuri and its farmer cooperative, CorpoCampo, promote forest protection and soil restoration through the establishment of agroforestry crops in Colombia. In this way, they contribute to conservation and the construction of territorial peace. 

The Unique Nutritional Profile of Acai  

Açaí stands out for its exceptional nutritional profile, making it one of the most nutrient-dense fruits in the world. An in-depth analysis reveals a unique combination of essential nutrients: 

  • Antioxidants: Açaí contains 10 times more anthocyanins than blueberries, these powerful antioxidants are responsible for its intense purple color. 
  • Essential Fatty Acids: Rich in omega-3, 6, and 9, similar to those found in olive oil. 
  • Fiber: 4.5g of fiber per 100g, contributing to healthy digestion and satiety. 
  • Plant-based Protein: A complete amino acid profile, rare for a fruit. 
     

Exceptional Antioxidant Profile 

Studies conducted by the University of São Paulo have shown that this small but mighty acai berry has an antioxidant capacity (ORAC) of 102,700 units per 100g, significantly higher than most fruits. This antioxidant power comes primarily from: 

  • Anthocyanins: responsible for the purple color and anti-inflammatory properties 
  • Flavonoids: contribute to cardiovascular protection 
  • Polyphenols: support cellular health 

A recent review of the literature published in Nutrients by Laurindo et al. (2023) concluded that: 

[A]çaí has medicinal properties and the economic potential for widespread use throughout the food and cosmetic industry. The fruit presents a rich phytochemical profile composed of phenolic compounds, quinones, terpenes, and norisoprenoids, all of which are related to its health-promoting and disease-preventing potential.  

In vitro and in vitro studies demonstrated that açaí possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; exerts cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and renoprotective activities; improves hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia; and shows antineoplastic actions.  

Additionally, açaí exerts antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects. Clinical trials have demonstrated that açaí protects against prostate cancer, MetS risk factors, and auditory dysfunctions. Moreover, its derivatives, such as berry extracts, whole fruit extracts, seed extracts, and phytochemically enriched extracts, have no hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, or nephrotoxicity, strengthening its safety and health potential.” (Laurindo et al., 2023) 

Recipes: Enjoying the Acai Berry 

Here are a few recipes to try using either acai pulp (frozen) or acai powder, whichever you prefer or can find where you live. 

Acaí Smoothie 

Ingredients 
1 cup strawberries or 1 banana 
1/2 cup fresh spinach 
1 tablespoon açaí powder or 1/3 cup acaí pulp (frozen) 
1 cup milk (cow’s milk or plant-based milk) 
1 teaspoon honey or agave (optional) 

Instructions 
Place all the ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serve and enjoy a refreshing smoothie! 

Chia and Acaí Pudding 

Ingredients 
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk of your choice) 
3 tablespoons chia seeds 
1 tablespoon acaí powder 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
Honey, maple syrup, or agave to taste 

Toppings: fresh fruit, shredded coconut, chopped almonds 

Instructions 
In a bowl, mix the almond milk, chia seeds, acaí powder, and vanilla extract. Sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or agave to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. 

Adapted from: Viana, C. The acai berry, Colombia’s healthy and delicious natural treat. Colombia One. December 29, 2024. Available at: https://colombiaone.com/2024/12/29/colombia-acai/ 

References 

La Caí: The Complete Guide to This Amazonian Superfood. February 21, 2025. Available at: https://lacai.be/blog-post/acai-complet-guide-amazonian-superfood/#:~:text=Antioxidants%3A%20A%C3%A7a%C3%AD%20contains%2010%20times,to%20healthy%20digestion%20and%20satiety. 

Acai Berry Products Market to Grow by USD 1.26 Billion (2025-2029), Driven by Superfood Popularity and AI Redefining the Market Landscape – Technavio. PR Newswire. January 25, 2025. Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acai-berry-products-market-to-grow-by-usd-1-26-billion-2025-2029-driven-by-superfood-popularity-and-ai-redefining-the-market-landscape–technavio-302342693.html 

CorpoCampo – Sustainable Native Forest. Promoting sustainable livelihoods for the Colombian Amazon. Available at: https://corpocampo.org/ 

Laurindo LF, Barbalho SM, Araújo AC, et al. Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in health and disease: A critical review. Nutrients. 2023;16;15(4): 989. doi: 10.3390/nu15040989.