photo credit: Rory Finneren
The aqai (Euterpe oleracea) or açaí palm tree, a native of Central and South America, grows 15-30 meters high, has leaves from 2-3 feet long, and bears what has, over the past few years, become one of the most sought after fruits in the world.
The acai fruit, a mere 1-inch in diameter, looks much like a grape, is green or deep purple in color, and contains a single large seed that makes up approximately 80% of its size. Acai fruits are used in juice blends, sodas, smoothies, liqueur and countless other beverages worldwide.
Currently marketed as a dietary supplement, acai fruits are sold in nearly half a dozen different forms, from drink powders and tablets to juice and smoothies, while some prefer the whole fruit as it is picked right from the tree. As acai fruits spoil quickly, however, most are processed into juice or power form to preserve them for shipping.
In addition to its rumored weight loss properties, Acai fruits are said to be one of the most powerful energy drinks on the market today. They are also said to improve everything from digestion and skin appearance to sexual performance, sleep and immune systems. Other uses listed by marketers of the diminutive berry cite improved cardiac function, cholesterol-lowering properties, and lower blood sugars; though the jury is still out on those claims.
According to Susan Donaldson, ABC News correspondent, there are no scientific studies to prove any of these claims, nor have these products been evaluated by the FDA at this time.
Nearly every inch of the acai tree has its commercial uses. You can learn about acai baskets, brooms, roofs and mats are pieced together from the acai leaves, minerals are processed from the trunks, and acai seeds may be used in organic soil, so virtually no part of the tree goes to waste.