Molecularist

My mother is from Belém, at the mouth of the Amazon River. The Brasilian foods and drink I prefer obviously all come from there. I grew up drinking Guaraná (the only soda I really ever drink). I’m crazy over bananas. I love tapioca. I miss eating river or sea turtle with farofa. And there are other local foods I miss (tacacá, pato no tucupí, and so on).

One thing I didn’t drink much as a child was Açaí. The way they ate (drank) it in Belém was like a soup. Açaí is purple and bitter – you need to add a lot of sugar to it (and they usually add tapioca). There’s some folklore that, despite what the article below says, you can’t drink booze and eat Açaí at the same time. My mother adheres to it religiously, while the younger generation laugh.

But, then again, whenever my mom is back in Belém, she drinks liters and liters of the stuff. I’m sure she doesn’t drink beer at the same time only because she doesn’t want it to compete for space in her stomach with the Açaí. 😉

Nonetheless, I believe that Açaí is the secret to my mother’s youthful looks and vibrant spirit and general good health.

Link:Sambazon Drink Beverage Brand | Acai Berry Products.

Acai pulp contains an impressive nutritional elixir. At the top of its nutrient list is anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant, of which acai contains amounts 33 times greater than in red wine and significantly more than other fruits that recently have been gaining attention for their antioxidant content, including pomegranates and blueberries. Acai also contains omega-6 and omega-9 cholesterol-fighting fatty acids, more protein than the average egg, essential amino acids, and vitamins and minerals ranging from Vitamin E to calcium.

….

Acai, like Red Bull, is said to mix well with alcohol. [horrors!]