Açaí palm tree: how a Brazilian specialty is made

Have you ever wondered where those delicious açaí bowls come from? If you know about the existence of açaí berries in Brazil, you’re on the right track - but the whole harvesting and distribution process goes much deeper until the finished product is placed on the table. The açaí palm tree (Euterpe oleracea) is native to the Amazon rainforest, and its role within the local economy - and the environment as well - is of utmost importance nowadays.

Keep up with us to discover the intricacies behind açaí production - starting from the açaí palm tree. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect from high-quality bowls like the ones we provide here at Okah!

Read also: What are the calories of an açaí bowl?

All about the açaí palm tree

The açaí palm tree is predominantly found in Brazil’s northern region, especially in the states of Pará, Amapá, and Amazonas. This tropical palm thrives in lowland, swampy areas and along riverbanks, where seasonal flooding is common. These conditions are ideal for the açaí palm, which naturally grows in clusters of multiple stems - sometimes as many as 20 per tree base.

Each palm tree can produce several bunches of dark purple berries throughout the year, typically with two main harvest seasons. A mature palm can yield anywhere from 4 to 8 bunches per year, with each bunch containing 500 to 900 berries. These berries are small, about the size of a blueberry, but with a hard seed that makes up 80–90% of the fruit’s volume. The edible part is a thin layer of dark, antioxidant-rich pulp around the seed.

Açaí palms are multi-use plants - which means they’re valued not only for their fruit but also for their heart of palm (also called palmito), harvested from the inner core of younger stems. However, in regions where açaí is a staple of the economy and cuisine, harvesting the berries is prioritized to preserve the tree and maximize long-term sustainability.

From an ecological standpoint, the açaí palm plays a crucial role in the Amazon biome:

- It provides food and shelter for birds, insects, and small mammals.

- Its roots help stabilize riverbanks and reduce erosion in flood-prone areas.

Unlike deforestation-based agricultural practices, açaí farming encourages forest preservation, as communities can earn income while keeping the forest intact.

Socially and economically, the açaí industry supports thousands of families in rural and riverine Amazonian communities, who rely on the palm not only as a source of nutrition but also as a livelihood. The increased global demand for açaí has created more opportunities for income, but it has also highlighted the importance of maintaining fair trade practices and sustainable harvesting methods to protect both people and the rainforest.

At Okah, we recognize the entire chain of care, culture, and community that goes into producing this incredible fruit. Every time you enjoy our organic bowls, you’re not just tasting something delicious - you’re partaking in a centuries-old Amazonian legacy.

How açaí harvesting is directly tied to your bowl’s quality

As you might imagine, harvesting açaí is both a skill and a tradition passed down through generations. Local harvesters, often referred to as “peconheiros” in Portuguese, climb the towering palms using nothing but a looped rope for grip and agility. At the top, they cut the berry clusters and carefully bring them down for processing.

Timing is critical: once harvested, açaí berries begin to perish rapidly. That’s why they’re quickly transported to processing centers - ideally within 24 hours. There, the berries are soaked in water to soften the skin, then mashed to separate the thin layer of nutritious pulp from the hard inner seed.

This fresh pulp is then frozen or freeze-dried to preserve its nutrients and flavor, ready to be transformed into purées, smoothies, or, of course, the iconic açaí bowl. The speed and care involved in every step of this process directly impact the final taste, texture, and nutritional value of what ends up on your table.

At Okah, we work closely with trusted partners who respect this delicate supply chain, ensuring every spoonful of açaí you enjoy is packed with authenticity, freshness, and ethical sourcing.

Join the açaí revolution with Okah Superfoods!

Açaí isn’t just a trend - it’s a movement toward better eating, ethical sourcing, and elevated taste, one that symbolizes a great deal of the Brazilian cultural heritage. And alongside us, you’re at the forefront of that movement.

If you are ready to transform your menu, your mornings, or your mindset, we invite you to visit our online shop or contact us right now. Discover why more and more people in the UK are choosing Okah for their daily dose of delicious wellness!

Let your spoon travel to the Amazon - no passport required.