Since moving to Los Angeles I have quickly become obsessed with Acai Bowls! The acai berry is a fruit that comes from acai palm trees which grow in Central and South America. The fruit has become popular in the US in smoothies and acai bowls. I love acai bowls because the toppings add another level of deliciousness! After ordering the acai bowls out for quite some time, I decided why not learn how to make them at home.
So why should you start adding acai to your diet too?  This superfood is an antioxidant rich immune booster that helps prevent cells from free radial damage and premature aging, plus it is a good source of fiber and it’s high in calcium! I think you should be sold at this point, but if not then you better try an acai bowl and you will be hooked! I am having so much fun trying different variations. My top two favorite acai bowls that I have made so far are: Organic Berry Mango and Organic Chocolate Peach Mango. The recipes are below. I fully encourage putting your own spin on these recipes by trying different toppings and different fruits!  I enjoy organic agai bowls for breakfast or just a power packed afternoon snack. They are SO delicious and super healthy!!
Something important to know when you are shopping for acai is the fruit oxidizes quickly making shipping it fresh impossible. Therefore, to enjoy it in the US you must purchase it frozen or in powder form. I order Sambazon Organic Acai Powder on Amazon.
Some of the other ingredients I use in my acai bowls are almond butter and hemp seeds. My favorite almond butter is Maise Jane’s Smooth Almond Butter. There is no added salt or sugar and of course it is organic. Adding almond butter along with hemp seeds to your acai bowl gives you a protein boost of 6 – 7.5 grams of protein depending on which recipe you are making! I get both my almond butter and hemp seeds from Whole Foods. Himalania Dark Chocolate Covered Hemp Seeds add a yummy crunch to your acai bowls. Hemp seeds are a good source of magnesium and an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
     
Organic Berry Mango Acai Bowl
This delicious and 100% Organic Berry Mango Acai Bowl is loaded with antioxidants and is dairy free!
Ingredients
Acai Base Mixture
- 3/4 cup frozen organic mango chunks
- 1/2 cup frozen organic mixed berries
- 1/2 cup organic almond milk
- 1 tbsp organic almond butter
- 1 tbsp raw organic cacao powder
- 1 tbsp organic acai powder
Toppings
- 1/2 cup organic blueberries
- 1/2 cup organic diced apples
- 1 tbsp organic dark chocolate covered hemp seeds
- 1 tbsp organic coconut flakes
- 1 tbsp organic sunflower seeds
Instructions
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Wash peel and dice the apple. You will only need about half of the apple. Store the remainder in the fridge with lemon juice to prevent from browning. Set aside the half you will use as a topping.
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Add all the Acai Base Mixture ingredients in a blender and blend. Note: since the fruit is frozen you will need to stop frequently and stir. You can add a little more almond milk but be sure not to add too much because the mixture will get soupy. You want a thick smoothy like consistency.
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Pour the acai mixture into a bowl. Add toppings, each in a row on top of the acai mixture and enjoy!
Organic Chocolate Peach Mango Acai Bowl
Love chocolate? Then try this power packed acai bowl with raw cacao powder. This delicious and 100% Organic Chocolate Peach Mango Acai Bowl is loaded with antioxidants and is dairy free!
Ingredients
Acai Base Mixture
- 3/4 cup Frozen Organic Peach Slices
- 1/2 cup Frozen Organic Mango Slices
- 1 tbsn Organic Acai Powder
- 1/2 cup Organic Almond Milk
- 1 1/2 tbspn Raw Organic Cacao Powder
- 1 tbspn Organic Almond Butter
Toppings
- 1/2 cup Organic Strawberries
- 1/2 cup Organic Blueberries
- 1 1/2 tbspn Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Hemp Seeds
- 1 tbspn Organic Coconut Flakes
- 1 tsp Organic Raw Cacao Powder
Instructions
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Wash the strawberries and blueberries. Slice the strawberries into quarters. Set aside.
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Add all the Acai Base Mixture ingredients in a blender and blend. Note: since the fruit is frozen you will need to stop frequently and stir. You can add a little more almond milk but be sure not to add too much because the mixture will get soupy. You want a thick smoothie like consistency.
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Pour acai mixture into a bowl. Add toppings in a row except the cacao powder. Sprinke the cacao powder over the top and enjoy!
2 Organic Acai Bowls to Try at Home/ August 27, 2017/  © Jill E. Gallien
