Try going to any supermarket in Singapore and you realise that most Acai are in the frozen section. So here is the question: Why can't i get the true Acai berry fruit itself?
Acai as you might have known is grown in the Amazonian forests in Brazil. Acai berries sprout high over the trees and plucked raw right from it.
Acai berries are mostly made of seed and barely any flesh, making every flesh really precious and valuable. Farmers will have to transport to the market immediately as it is highly perishable and spoils quickly after being harvested.
Frozen Acai is a popular form of the fruit because it allows for easy storage and transportation. Freezing the Acai also helps to extend its shelf life and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, making it a safer option for consumption.
Another good point of Acai frozen is the ease of usage for sorbets, smoothies, yogurts or any other frozen dessert. This versatility has contributed to its popularity as a frozen product.
Lastly, freezing Acai berries helps to preserve their nutritional value. Acai berries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and other beneficial nutrients. Freezing the berries helps to retain these nutrients, ensuring that you get all the health benefits of Acai when consuming it in frozen form.
The only other pure Acai form that is not frozen will be Acai powders which have a different process of handling the berries. But that will be a story for another time.
Overall, freezing Acai is an effective way to preserve its nutritional value, extend its shelf life, and provide consumers with a convenient and versatile product. Therefore, what you may usually find in supermarkets might be Acai in pulp or sorbet form.