The Bluffer’s Guide to Acai

Acai has to be one of the most mysterious of all the much-hyped superfood clan. What's all the fuss? Where did these things even come from? Why are all your friends ditching coffee to go out for 'a bowl'? In an effort to get answers to these Very Important Questions, we've gone to the masters. Ben Day and Sam Carson are the owners of Redlands' first ever organic superfood bar. Though each one of them cuts a pretty impressive physique, they don't have protein shakes to thank for their healthy glow. These two muscular men rely on a much more natural source — they call themselves the Acai Brothers.

So, what is Acai?

Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is a Brazilian superfood originating in the Amazon rainforest; an antioxidant-packed berry which can be consumed in various forms, but which according to the current trend is most frequently turned into an aesthetically pleasing and highly refreshing dish known as a 'bowl'. In this form, the acai is blended with ice and other clean ingredients to become the base layer of the dish, and is presented in a similar way to a dessert. Just search #acaibowl on Instagram and you'll get the gist (and a fairly strong craving to boot).

Who eats acai?

Nutrition is often seen as a woman's game, but thankfully that's gradually changing and the Acai Brothers are actively helping to break down that stereotype for their fellow blokes; they're two macho men, passionate about putting the right things into their bodies for continued good health, and even more passionate about practicing what they preach. "How about we open male minds a little bit?" says Sam. He says guys are slowing getting weened off their protein shakes and coming around.

But it's not just gym junkies who should get on board. "Right now we've got a specific target market of gym-goers, business people, naturopaths, mums and little kids, but there's a big market of people who have no idea that eating healthily can be cheap, quick and highly beneficial," says Sam.

"One of our main goals is to tap into that school market and educate young people about the benefits of eating superfoods ... It’s going to take time, like any movement."

It's more than a fashion trend

Taking this superfood to the next level means better educating young people. Ben and Sam are trying to cut through the hype and get kids to understand the actual benefits. Their long-term aim is to prove that eating superfoods is more than a passing fashion; it's a dietary choice. "Acai is tremendously beneficial to gut health, it assists the absorption of nutrients and aids the removal of fatty acids," says Sam.

This little berry is spectacularly high in antioxidants and vitamins (packed with three times that of blueberries). It improves your immune system and helps prevent common ailments like colds and flu; when taken to the extreme and coupled with supergreens, acai can be a total powerhouse. It gives you energy and improves your mental focus. That's better than some superficial Insta-post.

There are a bunch of ways to eat it

Brisbane is currently the only location within Australia that boasts acai specialist cafes, so residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautifully-presented bowls. Kiss the Berry, Coco Bliss and Raw PawPaw are among the many vendors. But according to the boys, acai is also an easy product to introduce into your diet at home. Australian company Amazonia provides three options for acai consumption: frozen puree (for use in bowls and smoothies), freeze-dried powder (a great ingredient when you're making a batch of bliss balls) and freeze-dried capsules (the pop-in-your-mouth-and-go option). One quick trip to your local health food shop, or a few clicks online, and you're set.

According to Ben, if you have a blender it couldn't be easier to put together a tasty bowl yourself. "No matter what you put on top, it tastes great. A guy recently requested avocado on his bowl, which was something different! We've got thousands of recipe ideas that we'll explore over time. We try to present something that looks incredibly appealing, bright and vibrant."

First-timers can expect the texture of sorbet (it should never be runny, nor too thick), purple in colour, with a slightly tart, berry flavour. Toppings can include all manner of deliciousness: fruit, muesli, buckini, coconut, cacao, yoghurt or coyo, seeds, nuts and just about anything raw or dehydrated you can get your hands on. You can even add edible essential oils if you're feeling particularly brave and creative.

For Sam, the ideal bowl consists of banana, kiwifruit and strawberry. For Ben, it's all about lemon, shredded coconut, goji berries, cacao nibs and gluten-free buckini which forms a great crumb.

It's perfect for summer

Sam and Ben opened their new superfood bar at just the right time; summer is here and we're all in need of something refreshing. Their drive to educate people about the advantages of acai is also timely, as our city's hunger for all things healthy is at an all-time high. Thankfully this is starting to catch on with guys too. The Acai Brothers claim they've seen a noticeable shift in the balance between male and female customers. It could be that their dude-led acai love is encouraging others to try something new.

When all is said and done, it doesn't seem to matter how we consume it; the point is that we should all inject some acai into our diets. So go, explore, experiment and enjoy all the amazing-ness of the Amazon's finest fruit. And, if you happen to visit the Acai Brothers in the Redlands, tuck into a Raw Lemon bowl.  It'll seriously rock your world.

The Acai Brothers Superfood Bar is located at 683 Old Cleveland Road East, Wellington Point. Images courtesy of Rosie Greenaway, Amazonia, Breno Peck and eliduke and readandrewrite via photopin cc.