History of the Acai Berry

The acai berry holds its origin from the Amazon area in South America, more specifically in the country of Brazil. The berries are small, rounded and black-purple when ripe. The colors depend on the genes of the berry and resemble the common grapes with the diameter of about 25 millimeters.

For thousands of years, the acai berry has been consumed by many native tribes in the Amazon region for their various benefits. In the ancient times, the Cobaclo tribes used it for food, medicine and making of various household items, such as mats, thatch and construction. It was also used to make clothing and hats to protect them from the harsh and drastically changing climates.

The acai berries belong to the palm species, which is why they resemble most of the palm family plants. In the early times they were served in gourd and in different forms as cooked food, juice or crushed powder. The juice was tapped directly from the heart of the palm, or the stem, and consumed fresh. In some special occasions it was used as mild alcoholic beverage. Its minimal alcoholic content is used to substitute the alcoholic needs of the body for those who do not consume any form of alcohol beverages.

Still, in the ancient times, the acai berries were flexible and could be used in different forms or flavors to suit the taste of the consumers; it could be served as salty or sweet depending on the person and the occasion. Sugar and honey were often added to make it sweet, while salt was used to make it have the salty taste. In other cases, the acai berry was included in different food recipes to improve their taste and nutritional properties.

The biannual nature of its production, and the abundant climate, ensured that the people in the Amazon basin enjoyed the fruit all through the year. In its medicinal value, the tribes claimed it to have very many benefits to the body, such as an increase in mental capacity or development, improved digestions, increased ones libido energy and boosted the body immunity, protecting them from the numerous ailments that are triggered by the climatic conditions of the area. The increase in immunity and improved digestion reduced the chances serious illness. In fact, doctors in Brazil still prescribe acai berry as a medicine for various reasons.

The popularity of the acai berry was initiated by the early explorers who took it from South America to other locations like the North America and Europe. However, back in those days the berry would spoil very easily. In fact, people found out that it could not be transported without spoiling. In todays age though, we have the knowledge and technology to preserve the acai berries for proper transportation by freezing or freeze-drying them. Since their landing in these regions their uses have increased ten folds as people use it for food, medicine, beauty, industrial uses and as supplements.