A smoothie using açai as its star ingredient presents a drinkable twist on the traditional açai bowl. Combined with agave nectar, it satisfies any sweet tooth without sacrificing nutritional value. The acidity of pomegranate juice and the creamy texture from bananas and frozen raspberries add depth to the delicious breakfast or reviving snack.

The açai fruit, or Euterpe oleracea, comes from the açai palm trees found predominantly in the eastern part of the Amazon region. Often referred to as "açai berries," these dark-purple round fruits are more akin to a drupe, akin to a grape in size. Its status as a prominent food for the Indigenous people living there goes back centuries. By the end of the 20th century, açai had achieved fame throughout Brazil, and later in the U.S., for its high content of antioxidants and beneficial fats. Commonly consumed in a bowl of frozen, puréed açai, sweetened with syrup, and occasionally embellished with granola or sliced fruit. Often enjoyed on the beaches of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, it's gained popularity as a beach snack.

The smoothie recipe requires a package of frozen açai puree, not the fresh fruit. Fresh açai finds scarcity even in Brazil's grocery markets, let alone anywhere else. This is primarily due to the fruit's high fatty acid content, which leads them to spoil within a few days of harvesting. Moreover, a big seed inside each açai requires proportionally more processing to the edible part. Therefore, the fruits are typically transformed into puree right after harvest, then packaged and frozen, or sometimes freeze-dried and turned into powder. In areas with a health-food store, frozen açai puree can typically be found. It can also be found online. However, açai powder, which is regarded as a beverage supplement, isn't suitable for this recipe.

Here’s how you craft the perfect açai smoothie: In a blender, take a 3 1/2-ounce package of frozen unsweetened açai puree, add two bananas, a cup of frozen raspberries, a cup of pomegranate juice, and a tablespoon of agave nectar. Blend at high speed until it attains a smooth consistency. Serve immediately and enjoy this revitalizing drink.