How to Eat Acai the Right Way—Including Puree, Juice, and Berries

If you follow wellness trends, you've likely heard about acai. The fruit is typically associated with acai bowls, a popular Brazilian dish that is similar to smoothie bowls and looks as good as it tastes. But. that's not all you can do with acai. It can be used in myriad ways, even in savory preparations. Learn how to eat acai the right way, along with tips for buying it as a powder, puree, or juice.

What Is Acai? "Acai" refers to the berries of the acai palm tree, a tropical plant native to Central and South America . Today, it mainly grows in Brazil, which has the perfect environment for the tree. Acai berries are small, round, and purple-black. They look similar to dark blueberries but are slightly bigger, measuring about 1/2 to 3/4-inch in diameter. (For reference, a small acai berry is about the same size as a large blueberry.)

Acai is often called a "superfood," and for good reason. The berries are rich in antioxidants, or beneficial compounds that protect cells from damage. They're also high in gut-friendly fiber and anti-inflammatory unsaturated fats, which can reduce your risk for heart disease, says Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RDN, registered dietitian. What's more, acai is a good source of several micronutrients, including manganese, vitamin A, and vitamin B6, says Pasquariello.

What Does Acai Taste Like? Acai berries boast a mild, somewhat tart and earthy flavor. They don't have a particularly strong taste, so they work well in both sweet and savory dishes, says Emilie Berner, chef-instructor of plant-based culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles.

Flavors That Pair Well With Acai That said, naturally sweet fruits like banana, blueberries, mango, and pineapple are perfect partners for acai, according to Que Rice, chef, founder of Cooking With Que, and owner of The Kitchen by Cooking With Que , a Detroit-based restaurant that offers cooking classes and culinary demonstrations. The sweetness of these fruits can "balance the acai's tartness and complement its berry notes," she says.

Acai also pairs well with chocolate and warm spices. Chocolate brings out the deep, earthy richness of acai, while warm ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla enhance the berry's natural flavors, says Rice.

How to Buy Acai "Fresh acai berries are highly perishable and don't travel well, so they're usually processed [into] puree, juice, or powder," explains Rice. This increases their shelf-life and preserves their nutrients, making it possible for people around the world to enjoy the fruit.

In the U.S., acai is most commonly sold as frozen puree. You can find it in the freezer aisle, often next to other tropical fruits. Typically, the puree is available in pre-portioned packets, which can be thawed and used in recipes. One packet is usually enough for a single smoothie or acai bowl.

Acai puree is available unsweetened or sweetened, most frequently with cane sugar. The best option depends on your flavor preference, dietary needs, and plans for the puree. For example, if you'd like to sweeten the acai puree with your own sweetener (such as maple syrup or sweet fruits), pick the unsweetened version. Alternatively, if you want a pre-sweetened version that's ready to use, opt for the sweetened kind.

Acai powder is made by freeze-drying acai berries, says Rice. "This preserves the color, nutrients, and flavor of the berries," she adds. Once dried, the acai is ground into a fine powder using a machine. The result is a dark purple-black powder that can be mixed into recipes.

Acai berries can also be pressed to extract their juice. This creates a ready-to-drink beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or blended into other drinks. Since the fruit has such a light flavor, acai juice is typically pre-sweetened by manufacturers.

How to Thaw Acai Puree When using frozen acai puree, it will need to be thawed briefly first. This will make it easier to blend, especially if you're using it in a smoothie.

Fill a tall glass or bowl with warm, not hot water.

Place the packet of frozen puree in the glass or bowl.

Let the packet sit for 15 to 20 seconds, then remove from the water.

You can also run the packet under warm tap water. Regardless of the method you choose, avoid thawing it too much, which can turn the puree into liquid.

Once the puree is thawed, you can squeeze it out of the packet or break it into chunks.

The mild flavor of acai makes it a versatile ingredient. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it, complete with tips and ideas from culinary pros.