Açaí in the bowl (açaí na tigela) is a very popular treat in Brazil and now that the weather is getting warmer, a particularly tempting one. Açaí (pronounced a-sa-EE) berry, sometimes served in a tall glass like they do at Balada Sumos in Rio, is just about as caloric as apples. What's highly caloric is the mix resulting from the addition of honey or sugar and the granola that so often comes with it on the side.
There's no doubt that the açaí berry, packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, fiber, and trace minerals, is a very healthy snack, and a great one for children. Check out this antioxidant smoothie recipe by Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide to Cooking for Kids.
While in Brazil, enjoy this Amazon forest treasure, whose indigenous name means "weeping fruit" and has its origin explained in a beautiful myth. Worried about the scale? Order açaí "com pouco açúcar" (com POE-co a-SUE-car) -- with just a little sugar -- or "sem açúcar" -- no sugar at all.
About Açaí Berry
Photo: Açaí in the bowl served in Atibaia, SP. Patricia Ribeiro.