Açaí

What it is

The fruit of Euterpe oleracea is round and about 1.5 cm (0.6 in) across. Most of it is a single stone, covered by a thin edible layer. Soaking softens that layer; pulping and straining separate it from the seed.

The amount of water added during extraction helps determine how thick the finished açaí will be. Thick, medium and thin preparations can all start with the same fruit. A frozen purée packet is already processed pulp, ready for a blender.

Where it comes from

Açaí's native range includes Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela and French Guiana. In the Brazilian Amazon, it is a traditional food in both riverbank communities and towns. Pará is the centre of Brazilian production, growing about nine-tenths of the country's crop. The fruit comes from both forest palms and plantings on land above the floodplain, including irrigated farms.

How it's eaten where it grows

In Amazonian riverbank communities, açaí accompanies fish, shrimp, meat and tapioca. The pulp drink also goes by vinho de açaí, or açaí juice. This is part of a meal, with the fruit alongside savoury food.

Elsewhere in Brazil and abroad, frozen açaí is often blended with other fruits and syrups, then topped with granola, fruit or nuts. The pulp also goes into ice cream, mousse and sweets.

How it's grown

Açaí palms usually grow in clumps of slender stems, sending new shoots up around the base. They need steady warmth, humidity and water. Growers raise them from seed or separate the side shoots.

The variety BRS Pai d’Égua can give its first harvest at about three and a half years, compared with the fifth year for traditional planting material. Irrigated farms help extend production beyond the main season.

When and where you'll find it

In Pará, the main harvest usually runs from July through December. The fruit spoils quickly, so industrial processors pasteurise and freeze the pulp.

In the US, frozen purée and juice are grocery-store forms of açaí. SAMBAZON's unsweetened packets contain purée from Brazil in 100 g (3.5 oz) portions. Frozen blends with other fruit or syrup are a different preparation from plain, unsweetened purée.