Dawn Kiddie sunlive.co.nz

Well this week I have had a change of plans and I am going to introduce you all to an amazing new super food from the Amazon, ‘The acai (pronounced ‘Ah-Sigh-Ee') berry'.

This berry comes in puree form and is now being stocked in the Mount New World and also being used in numerous ways by the Armazem Restaurant in Mount Maunganui.

Acai is full of antioxidants, protein, iron and energy. It is the fruit of a palm tree that occurs naturally along the lower reaches of the Amazon basin. It is a very perishable purple-black berry about the size of a cherry. However 90 per cent of the berry is a very hard seed and the fruit is usually only available outside the Amazon as a frozen fruit puree.

The acai is a very tasty and nutritious fruit and can be used in many different ways like juices, smoothies, breakfast, lunch and dessert ideas. The shake below is one of my favourites for a great ‘get up and go' in the morning!

Acai Protein Shake

50-100g acai berry pulp
150 mills apple juice
2 scoops protein powder
½ cup yoghurt
Handful berries

Put all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth, pour into a glass and enjoy.