Uses of the Acai Palm from South America
OMG! this was the BEST!!! (Photo credit: CRASH:candy)Many have heard about the antioxidant value of the Acai Berry from South America, but there are additional uses for the Acai Palm beyond the berry. The stem is consumed by many for the same reason as the berry. And commercial purposes have been created for the leaves and the wood of the trunk.
Acai Palm Stem
The part of the Acai Palm tree that is growing at the tip of the tree is used in salads and is referred to as the heart of the palm.
The Fruit of the Acai Palm
Somewhere near 800 berries grow together on the branches of the Acai Palm twice a year. The fruit contains an amazing large seed consisting of 80% of the berry itself. Within the Amazon, the berries represent a large portion of the population’s diet. Many beverages have been created from the juice of the berries which is consumed within the region. Farther north within Brazil, the berry is consumed more often as a fruit instead of a juice. Other unique uses within Brazil include ice cream and liqueur.