There has been a lot of buzz recently about so-called superfoods. You can find list after list online about what they are and what they claim to do for your body and health. A super food is essentially a food that offers exceptional nutritional value for the per serving calories that it contains.
One of those super foods is the acai berry which grows in Amazonian rain forests. These berries grow near the tops of pine trees in clusters and is not the easiest of fruits to harvest. The berries are said to provide a burst of energy and has long been a popular addition to smoothies and juices. The fruit has a flavor that is described as a combination of a fruity red wine with chocolate overtones, and much like some wines it is believed that those tiny berries contain powerful antioxidants, perhaps double that of blueberries and ten times what is found in grapes.
If you are looking to add acai berries into your dietary rotation, there are some great spots in your neighborhood serving up this super fruit in some delightful combinations So gather up the energy you do have and seek out these acai bowls when you feel you are in need of an extra boost!
4 Spots for Acai Bowls in Phoenix
Grabbagreen
50 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix
602.734.9200
www.grabbagreen.com
Grabbagreen covers pretty much any food craving you could have and makes sure that however you choose to indulge you’re getting serious quality ingredients with the most nutritional value. Their entire menu is based on superfood ingredients and covers all your needs; breakfast, lunch and dinner all the while ensuring that all customers are taken care of despite their dietary needs.
What to Order: Amazonia Acai Cup
If you are on the go and in need of some quick energy, the Amazonia cup is just what your doctor ordered! The combination of acai, banana, cacao, granola and a touch of honey will get you moving in no time. The addition of cacao in this cup really brings out the chocolate undertones of the acai berry and it’s no surprise that banana and chocolate marry well together. The cup is topped with fresh sliced bananas, granola and the perfect drizzle of honey.
Kaleidoscope Juice
1 N. 1st St., Phoenix
480.980.8677
www.kaleidoscopejuice.com
Kaleidoscope Juice was built on the principal that the quality of our lives are based on the quality of the energy that we hold within our thoughts and the foods that we take into our bodies. Every ingredient that goes into the menu offerings is selected with thoughtfulness to their potential enrichment to your body. They offer baked goods, smoothies, salads, bulletproof coffee, sandwiches, burritos, bowls and more. If you’re overwhelmed or looking for some direction, the staff are all highly educated and happy to guide you to the best choice.
What to Order: Acai Bowl
There is a lot going on in this bowl, and reading the list of ingredients you may think that all of the individual flavors would get lost, but this bowl is a little dish straight from heaven. The bowl is made up of (ready?) acai, bananas, raspberry, almond butter, brazil nuts, maca, coconut oil, cinnamon, liquid vitamins, hemp seeds and coconut water. After all of that is blended and made smooth it is then topped with bananas, a dragon fruit drizzle, house made hemp granola and shaved coconut. One bite and you will get transported to a tropical island; instantly relaxed, refreshed and ready to conquer your day!
Luci’s Healthy Marketplace
1590 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix
602.773.1339
www.lucishealthymarketplace.com
There is no question that Luci’s is consistently creating some of the best healthy meal options in the Uptown area. From their freshly made diner creations to the products that they have on hand for purchase; you know that you are receiving top quality items crafted with your health in mind.
What to order: Acai Superfood Bowl
You’ll find all of the help benefits you expect from this bowl with the added taste and flavor of bananas, blueberries and hemp granola (packed full of omega-3 and omega-6 fats and fiber-rich). The sweetness of the acai and bananas is tempered by the tartness of the blueberries and the granola adds a nice texture contrast.
Nekter Juice Bar
2045 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
480.771.5181
www.nekterjuicebar.com
There are so many reasons to make a trip to Nekter, from the 3 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables you’ll find in each of their juices, to the excellent anti-inflammatory properties in each glass and the passion and dedication that all of their employees have to ensure that your experience is a great one. Any questions that you throw at them will be answered with a friendly smile and you’ll leave with a great product and an education on what you are taking into your body.
What to Order: PB Bowl
Nekter boasts three separate acai bowls, all highly addictive and delicious, making it close to impossible to choose a favorite. We selected the PB Bowl based on the added punch of, you guessed it, peanut butter. This bowl is jam packed with flavor and nutrition combining acai, banana, strawberries, dates, peanut butter along with a house made vanilla cashew milk. If that weren’t enough, the top it all off with a hemp seed granola, more bananas, strawberries and agave nectar for an additional touch of sweetness.
This article was originally featured in the April 2016 issue of Uptown Magazine.
If you are looking for the best and latest in Arizona restaurant and culinary news, please make sure to sign up for our newsletter, give us a like on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram to make sure that you never miss a bite!
© Taryn Jeffries 2016