Acai Guide

Berries are the staple fruit of summer to some, as they provide little snacks of refreshing juice and flavour. But berries are so much more than tasty snacks, as many are thought to have other uses too.

Take the acai berry for example; alongside the blueberry and cranberry it has gained the worthy title of “superfruit”.

Acai berry Pronounced ass-eye-ee, the acai berry has grown in popularity in the past few years due to its antioxidant nature. It has been enjoyed in Brazil for much longer than this; often it is put with granola as a source of nutrients. These berries are said to include the essential fatty acids Omega 3, 6, and 9 – as well as other vitamins, minerals, phytosterols and amino acids. The appealing combination of rich nutrients mixed with what is said to be the taste of berries and chocolate, is likely why acai is frequently used in smoothies, juices, and capsules across the UK.

Cranberry Another of berry superfruit is the cranberry. A low-growing perennial, the berries are mostly harvested between September and October. However cranberries are available all year round in juices, and even in freezer packs for use in smoothies and puddings. Like the acai berry, cranberries are full of antioxidants and other natural compounds, which makes them an ideal choice for the health conscious consumer. Cranberries are also often spotted in cranberry sauce on the dinner table at Christmas.

Blueberry The blueberry has also become a popular choice for enjoyment on its own or in a range of recipes. The reason blueberries are blue is due to the amount of anthocyanins packed inside, which also results in a large number of antioxidants. Aside from the healthy eating credentials, blueberries are also commonly added to muffins, cakes, sauces, and jams for a splash of colour and tasty treat.

Haylee Hulme is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics such as vitamins. One of her particular interests is how to easily incorporate fruit and vegetables in to your diet such as the acai berry.