Amongst Colombia’s many delicious fruits is the açai, a type of berry that comes from the açai palm tree. Produced in the Colombian Amazonian region of Putumayo, as well as in the Pacific, the fruit is one of the country’s many natural treasures.
Although açaí is native to South America, particularly the Brazilian Amazon, the humid soil and floodable terrain of these two Colombian regions allow the açaí palm to thrive. Thanks to these conditions, açai cultivation has expanded significantly.
Açai cultivation in Colombia
The açai palm, also known as the naidi palm, grows in humid, floodable soils close to rivers. These palms reach an average height of 25 meters and produce small, round, dark purple fruits with a diameter of approximately 12 mm. The fruits grow in clusters, and each palm can yield up to five clusters, each containing between 500 and 900 fruits.
Production and export of Colombian açai
Currently, the largest açai-producing company in Colombia has over 5,000 hectares of crops in Buenaventura and Putumayo. This company processes approximately five million tons of açai annually, with 98 percent destined for export to countries in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Only two percent is sold in the domestic market.
Benefits of açai
With its characteristic, slightly acidic flavor and notes of grape, raspberry, and pomegranate, açai contains a high proportion of antioxidants, vitamins (A, C, and B), and essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, and 9). These nutrients make it a “superfruit,” meaning that the berry has numerous health benefits and is an excellent nutritional supplement particularly valued by athletes.
The açai berry also contains around 13 grams of amino acids per 100 grams, making it an excellent source of protein and energy and ideal for those looking to increase vitality and physical performance.
Two easy açai recipes
Thanks to the many benefits of this fruit, a variety of açai recipes have been created, from energizing breakfasts to delicious desserts. Here are two easy and delicious açai recipes for you make
Energizing açai smoothie
Ingredients
1 banana
1/2 cup fresh spinach
1 tablespoon açai powder
1 cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
Place all the ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth and free of lumps. Serve and enjoy a nutritious and refreshing smoothie!
Chia and Açai Pudding
Ingredients
1 cup almond milk (or your milk of choice)
3 tablespoons chia seeds
1 tablespoon açai powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Honey or maple syrup to taste
Toppings: fresh fruit, shredded coconut, chopped almonds
Instructions
In a bowl, mix the almond milk, chia seeds, açai powder, and vanilla extract. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Before serving, mix well and pour into a glass or bowl. Top with fresh fruit, shredded coconut, or chopped almonds.