Native Açaí: find out how this superfood is produced

Did you know that açaí is one of the foods with the highest antioxidant power in the world? Native Foods Açaí is a super nutritious and complet food, perfect for those looking for a natural and healthy diet.

Would you like to discover the origin and how Native Açaí is produced? Then this article will interest you. We're going to talk about the production process of our açaí sorbet, its characteristics and consumption benefits, and also about the importance of Native's commitment to nature. 

Where does Native Foods' Açaí come from?

This small (but very rich) purple fruit comes from the açaí tree, a tree that grows mainly in wetlands and can reach more than 20 meters in height.

Brazil is the largest producer of this fruit, with 90% of the world supply of açaí originating in the state of Pará.

At Native Foods, we strive for quality. Therefore, we only use native products, which we source from the source.

Native Foods' Açaí originates in the area of ​​Pará, Brazil, on the banks of the Amazon River, where the açaí palm is in perfect symbiosis with the region's biodiversity.

From the forest to your bowl: do you know how Native Açaí is produced?

The production of Açaí by Native Foods respects 4 essential steps.

1. Harvest

Native Foods' Açaí comes from Pará, Brazil, and is harvested between August and December, as it is at this time that the fruit is ripe and reaches the purple color, so characteristic of our açaí. The açaí is harvested first thing in the morning. The peconheiros (açaí pickers) climb the trees and pick the bunches and, soon after, the fruits are collected so that they are not exposed to solar radiation.

Did you know that an experienced fisherman, in 6 hours of work, collects between 150 and 160 kg of fruit, which is equivalent to 50/60 bunches? It is a very difficult task. The peconheiro climbs 20-meter palm trees to collect bunches.

This is an activity carried out largely by the local population and represents one of the main sources of income for families.

2. Transport

After being harvested, the açaí is transported to the factory where it will be cleaned and pulped. 

The harvesting and transport of the açaí happens first thing in the morning, as the temperature is lower, the degradation process of the fruit is less, maintaining its characteristics and properties.

This transport is mainly done by boat, which facilitates a greater flow of fruits produced in floodplain areas (typical forest in the Amazon, along the river). When production originates on land, transport is done by road.

3. Wash

When they arrive at the processing units, the fruits are selected manually and carefully and go through a washing process that ensures hygiene for the next step: pulping.

4. Pulping

This process consists of removing the pulp of the açaí, using machines called depulpadeiras or mixers.

The extracted pulp can be of 3 types:

• A (very dense, or thick);

• B (average or regular);

• C (little dense, or thin).

The açaí obtained from this process can be packaged and frozen immediately, or subjected to a heat treatment called pasteurization.

After being packaged, the pulp goes to a fast freezing zone at -40ºC. Freezing reduces the risk of biochemical and microbiological alterations, ensuring greater quality of açaí. 

Once frozen, the pulp must be stored at a temperature between -18 and -20ºC.

At Native Foods, we import frozen pulp from Brazil and produce açaí sorbet in our factory in Portugal, located near Lisbon, equipped with the latest technology for the production of our products. This is how we guarantee a product of excellence, which always makes your mouth water!

What makes Native Foods even more special?

Agricultural production of açaí can make a positive contribution to the environment. When done rationally and with efficient management of resources, it is an important factor in the conservation of the Amazon rainforest.

We use native products, which we seek from the source, promoting sustainability, guaranteeing traceability and quality.

We assume a commitment with you, but also with nature. That's why we are Native!

We want each package to contain the flavor of the Amazon. Native Açaí is produced in Portugal, according to strict quality standards.

Native Açaí has been the #1 Consumer's Choice Brand for 4 consecutive years. It is a vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free option and 100% free of GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

It is the perfect ally for your natural and healthy diet.

Where to find Native Açaí in Portugal?

ONative Foods products are for sale in the frozen section of hyper and supermarkets, close to the frozen fruits.

There's no mistaking it, our packaging stands out for its purple color and for being the only ones produced in cardboard in this range of products. 

Have you tried the number 1 brand of açaí in Portugal?

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