People who ask what does the acai berry taste like are probably looking to try it because of its health benefits. The acai is one of the fruits known as super foods because it is full of antioxidants.
About the Acai Berry
The acai berry is not a berry in the traditional way we think of berries. It does not grow on a bush but instead on a palm tree, more specifically the acai (pronounced assa-eye), which grows in the Amazonian forests of South America. The berries grow in bunches of three to about a dozen that sit near the base of the leaves. They are harvested when they become ripe and dark. They are usually the same approximate size as a grape at harvest time.
So What Does the Acai Berry Taste Like?
Most people describe the flavor of the acai berry as being a cross between a rich blackberry or raspberry and a piece of dark chocolate. Most say the chocolate flavor is more of an aftertaste that hits after chewing the berry for a few seconds.
This chocolate flavor may be in part because of the polyphenols, which are present in both the acai berry and the cocoa bean. Other common words used to depict the berry's taste are:
- Rich
- Grainy
- Tropical
- Refreshing
- Bitter
As most who've tried pure dark chocolate know, it is not especially sweet if sugar isn't added, so it's not surprising that many find the berry to be bitter. Since the taste is not something people are accustomed to, the acai often lags behind other fruits in popularity as far as eating it raw.
It's also hard to find acai berries in the grocery store since they do not do well in transport. They often spoil before they can make the trek north from the Amazon. The other problem with eating the acai berry by itself is there is very little pulp on each individual berry. It is made up mostly of seeds. It's much more common to find the acai added into other foods or available in juice or supplement form.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Acai Berry Taste
If you're curious about what the acai berry tastes like, look for the following foods that offer pure acai berry juice without additives:
Many of the other acai juices offered also contain grape juice or the juice of another berry for added sweetness. Some even contain sugar or high fructose corn syrup, which somewhat negates the health benefits the berry adds to the product.
Acai Berry Smoothies
Probably the best way to enjoy the taste of the acai berry is to make an acai smoothie. This smoothie takes the rich flavor of the berry and tones down the heaviness with some lighter and sweeter ingredients. The ingredients needed are a cup of pure acai berry juice, a cup of soy milk, a banana and a half cup of frozen yogurt (either regular or vegan).
To make the smoothie:
- Slice the banana into half inch circles and throw them in the blender.
- Add the soy milk and frozen yogurt.
- Put the lid on the blender and mix the smoothie for 30 seconds or until liquefied.
This smoothie is best enjoyed right after it's made, but it can be kept in the refrigerator, as long as it's covered, for up to 48 hours. If drinking it later, it's best to stir it first.
Those who don't like the acai berry by itself may very well like it this way. The pure berry juice is definitely an acquired taste.
