Grown in the rainforests of the Amazon, the fruit of the acai palm tree, the acai berry, is not only rich in nutrition, but filled with history. Although only introduced to the western world in the 1990s, the acai berry has actually existed for thousands of years.

Acai was first used by the Amazonian jungle tribes as a cure for various illnesses. It is known to the native tribes as “ica-cai,” meaning “fruit that cries.” One of these tribes was the Shubar tribe. The Shubar discovered that acai had natural antioxidant elements, as well as natural cholesterol controlling properties. These tribes also discovered that acai helped strengthen the immune system, protect the heart, and fight infection. In addition, acai berry was an excellent source of energy for the tribes people.

After being introduced to the western world, modern Brazilian surfers began to realize the amazing energy enhancing effects of acai. The berry was pulped and then frozen for freshness, and became a natural addition to the tasty smoothies offered along the beaches of Brazil.

Researchers discovered the various health benefits of acai berry, and soon the fruit was recognized across the globe. The nutritional benefits of acai berry are offered in several forms, including supplements, juices, and of course, smoothies.

Amazon folklore has long included the legend of how acai berry originated. The story begins long ago with an Amazonian girl named Iaca, daughter of the tribe’s chief, Itaki. The tribe’s food was very scarce, so Itaki ordered that all newborn children were to be sacrificed.

When Iaca bore a child, Itaki was sure that his orders were executed. Iaca mourned her baby’s death for several days and nights, until one night, lit brightly with a full moon, she heard the cries of a child. As she walked outside to find the crying babe, she discovered her daughter next to a glorious palm tree, adorned in dark purple fruit. She raced to the baby, and closely held her.

Very early the next morning, Iaca’s dead body was discovered holding the palm tree, dark eyes glaring towards the top. Itaki demanded that the fruit be harvested. This satisfied the tribe’s hunger, and gave them a renewal of energy. His unjust order to sacrifice newborn children was abolished, and he announced that the fruit from the tree would be named after his daughter (“acai” is “Iaca” backwards).