The Açaí Palm Explained

The açaí palm is a tall tree native to eastern Amazonia. It grows mainly in swamps and floodplains.

Açaí palms grow more than 25 meters tall. Their pinnate leaves reach up to 3 meters long.

Each branched panicle holds 500 to 900 small black-purple fruits. The seed dominates the berry.

Brazil supplies 99 percent of global açaí berries. The other countries are just garnish.

In the 1980s, the Brazilian Gracie family marketed açaí as an energy drink. That started the export trade.

Açaí palm produces vast harvests in Pará state.

Açaí na tigela is a Brazilian dessert made from frozen purée. It is topped with granola and other fruit.

Açaí oil is green with a bland aroma.