Tag: acai

If you’ve heard of acai, you may have dismissed it as another diet fad. I’m hear to say, with seriousness and gravity, don’t.

Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berries come from the acai palm and are native to Trinidad and northern parts of South America. The name is a Portuguese variation of the Tupian word meaning “fruit that cries or expels water” – and it’s appropriately named, considering its popularity in juicing, smoothies and acai bowls. The berry looks similar to a grape and is a deep purple color. The food makes up a large portion of the diet in local tribes around the Amazon, and has made its way north to the US.

Acai grew to popularity in the States due to its use as a dietary supplement. While its true weight loss properties are up for debate, its antioxidants are extremely beneficial. Antioxidants work to rid your body of toxins that can cause sickness and are an excellent addition to your diet if you’re travelling, feeling sick, or just health conscious. It has also been hailed as a sustainable crop due to its abundance in nature without the use of traditional cultivation techniques – meaning that it thrives in natural conditions without the need for clear-cutting in the rainforest for farming. Plus, it just plain tastes good.

You can find acai juice in almost any supermarket, but our favorite at SurfBerry  is the Amafruits line of acai. Amafruit is dedicated to organic fruits and responsible farming. Their products are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Certified, Fair Trade approved, vegan, and gluten free. They also contain no soy lecithin filler so there is as much as 30% acai in each pack. We’re proud to offer Amafruit at SurfBerry!

One of my favorite ways to eat the berries is in an acai bowl. Popularized in Brazil, it’s a treat that’s basically a vitamin disguised as a dessert. We take frozen acai puree and blend it with juice almond milk or coconut water, fruit, and practically anything you want to make an amazing treat. It tastes and looks just like a very thick sorbet – but with incredible health benefits that will leave you full and happy without a sugar crash. I like to start my day off with a acai bowl topped with granola, bananas, honey and coconut (the WB Bowl) – come by SurfBerry to try it out, or tell us what you want in your own original creation! Whatever you do, get on board with acai; your body, and the environment, will thank you.

SurfBerry Releases Signature Ben Bourgeois and Mason Barnes Açaí Bowls in celebration of National Açaí Bowl Day on Saturday April 6th, 2013

Surfberry is proud to take part in Sambazon’s National Açaí Bowl day and release their expanded menu with 50% off all bowls. Popularized on the beaches of Brazil and the cafes of Rio, a traditional açaí bowl is a thick-blended smoothie of frozen açaí berries poured into a bowl and topped with fresh fruit plus granola. Packed withantioxidants, healthy omegas and nutrition from real whole-food ingredients, these bowls energize bodies and souls.

 

“Several years ago I experienced my first açaí bowl on a surf trip to Hawaii, after one bite I was hooked” said Rick Civelli, Co-Founder of SurfBerry. “Since that first bowl I had dreamed of opening a café in Wrightsville Beach to share this Amazon Superfood with my local community. It is beyond delicious, healthy, organic and the perfect Surf, SUP, Run or exercise snack”.

 

Two of their new Açaí Bowls are named after local surf stars. The “Benny B Bowl” is named after Professional Surfer Ben Bourgeois and the “Mason Bowl” after current ASP Junior competitor Mason Barnes. “Whenever these two are home from their international surf travels they were always stopping by for their unique bowl creations. I am honored to have them both represent SurfBerry and to be able to fuel their energy with our diverse menu.” Says Rick.

 

Mason spent the winter in Hawaii charging big Pipeline and just returned home. He will be at SurfBerry from 10:00am until Noon on Saturday April 6th to sign autographs, answer questions to Groms about professional surfing and to tell stories about his winter adventures.

 

Sambazon’s first National Açaí Bowl Day is being celebrated in more than 30 states, from Hawaii to New York, with plans to make the national day an annual event.