Starting this month, we are selling açaí at Haven BJJ. In this blog, we give you a crash course to understand açaí. This is a topic I have become an expert in over the years, as açaí is one of my favorite snacks.
THE BASICS
Let's start with the pronunciation: ah-sah-ee and not akai! Now that we have that out of the way: açaí is a berry from a palm tree that grows in and around the Amazon rainforest. It is known for its antioxidants and has been a staple in the diet of surfers and jiu jitsu athletes for many years. Mainly in Brazil, but in recent years also in the US and Europe. It is eaten in various ways, as discussed in the paragraph below.
THREE STYLES OF ACAI
There are basically three styles of açaí: açaí as juice (seen in Rio de Janeiro), açaí as ice cream (seen in São Paulo), and pure açaí (seen in the North).
Juice açaí is the version that is popular in Rio de Janeiro and is usually served at tournaments around the world. The consistency is similar to that of a slush puppy and it is mixed with Guaraná syrup and water. Standard toppings are banana, strawberry, and granola. Many juice bars in Rio also serve versions mixed with other juices, or even açaí with protein powder. This is the style of açaí you get at Oakberry.
The approach to açaí in São Paulo is quite different from that in Rio. In Rio, açaí is seen as a healthy addition. The açaí in São Paulo is viewed and served as a type of ice cream. The açaí is scoopable and is not only topped with fruit and granola, but also with things like condensed milk, chocolate balls, wafer rolls, and paçoca (sweet peanut candy).
Finally, my personal favorite: pure açaí. It is a bit harder to find, but worth the search. The actual pure açaí is eaten as a savory sauce with fish dishes in the North. A slightly sweetened version can be eaten with tapioca pearls (like flavorless mini popcorn). I know two places in Rio de Janeiro that serve this style of açaí: Tacacá do Norte in Flamengo and Amazônia Soul in Ipanema. They are a bit more expensive than the regular Rio açaí, but very worthwhile.
At Haven BJJ, we sell high-quality São Paulo-style açaí, complete with a spoon and granola.