Not sure what I thought an acai bowl was. I certainly had heard of it. Never gave it much thought.
If I had known it was a healthy smoothie-in-a-bowl, I probably would have made an effort to try it much sooner!
It is basically a smoothie topped with granola. It is said to have been originally invented by Brazilian surfers, but soon spread to other areas with large surfing cultures – like Maui and California.
My current favorite at Playa Bowls. The Olas Bowl is made up of a banana blend topped with granola, banana, blueberry, coconut flakes, chia seeds & almond butter.
The acai is a berry in Brazil that looks similar to a grape and is a super source of antioxidants. Since it goes badly very quickly, you won’t find it fresh in stores. Instead, in the grocery store, you will find it as a frozen puree.
When making the bowls, some places started substituting the acai for pitaya (another name for dragon fruit). Pitaya is found in Mexico and Central America. It is sweeter and has more nutrients than acai. It tastes more like a watermelon – whereas acai is more like a blackberry in taste.
My first taste of an acai or pitaya bowl was when my daughter took me to a place called Playa Bowls in Connecticut. Jersey shore natives Robert Giuliani and Abby Taylor recreated their favorite recipes from surfing locations they visited and founded Playa Bowls – the shop that currently includes over 50 locations in 6 states with more on the way!
Now that I have tried an acai bowl, I am hooked! Always one to like food cold or frozen (you know my love for ice pops and slushies!), these bowls are a perfect treat for me! What a great discovery!
Have you tried an acai or pitaya bowl? What ingredients are your favorites? Do you have a recipe you can share?
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie