Who Really Invented the Açaí Bowl?

Justina Huddleston

Jun 21, 2018

You may crave a good açaí bowl in the morning, but have you ever stopped to think of where the smoothie dish featuring that hard-to-pronounce produce came from? The tropical fruit has become so ubiquitous that it’s now a $5 soft serve at Costco, and yet many don’t know what açaí berry looks like. Even though açaí bowls are a fairly new food trend, açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) itself has been eaten for thousands of years.

Açaí Origins

Açaí berries have been a staple food of the people living in the Amazon River delta for millennia, but it wasn’t until the early 1970s, when people began migrating from to the cities of Macapá and Belém in the north, that they began to gain popularity outside of their original growing area.

These small berries grow on palm trees in the Amazon River delta. At first glance, açaí berries don’t seem edible. They’re small, hard, and have a very large pit compared to the amount of fruit that’s actually on the berries. In order to be eaten, they have to be soaked in water until they soften. Then, the fruit pulp has to be removed from the pit, traditionally done by rubbing the berries until it comes off. Today, the fruit is shipped to processing centers that complete this task mechanically. The pulp then has to be eaten, frozen, or dried into a powder within 24 hours, as it tends to spoil quickly. This is why most Americans have only seen the frozen variety.

Açaí isn’t sweet. It has an earthy flavor and creamy texture (due to its high fat content), and traditionally it’s eaten along with fish and cassava root as a main dish. So how did açaí go from savory staple to smoothie bowl base? There’s one family that paved the way…

WHERE THE Açaí SMOOTHIE BOWL COMES FROM

The Gracie family, famous for their Brazilian jiujitsu gyms, invented the açaí bowl in the late 1980s, and it grew exponentially in popularity throughout the decade and into the ’90s during a fitness boom in the country. Originally from the Amazon River delta area, the Gracie family included açaí as part of the “Gracie Diet.” They liked the fruit because it was low in sugar, full of vitamins and antioxidants, and thought to boost energy. However, they had to come up with a way to mask the fruit’s earthy, sometimes dirt-like flavor.

Because it has to be shipped frozen, the açaí became a smoothie base. The Gracies would blend the frozen pulp with sweet fruits like banana and sometimes guarana, a sweet native berry to Brazil, to create a refreshing, energizing meal not unlike soft-serve (or the smoothie bowls we enjoy today). Açaí attracted other athletes, and now, there are açaí bars all over Brazil where you can stop in and get a bowl of the frozen açaí mixture topped with all kinds of fruits, granola, and nuts.

Açaí Bowls in America

It wasn’t until the early 2000s that açaí was brought to the US. Brothers Ryan and Jeremy Black and their friend Edmund Nichols went to Brazil and tried the fruit for the first time. They loved açaí bowls so much that by the end of their trip, they were committed to introducing them to the US. They started the company Sambazon, the first to import frozen açaí pulp to the US. They started selling the frozen purée door-to-door at juice bars around Los Angeles and Southern California, then traveled to Miami and New York City. The fruit took off, and now you can find açaí bowls at dedicated cafes, smoothie shops, and juice bars around the country. Or, if you’re feeling really ambitious, you can always try making your own açaí bowls at home.

Learn more about the secret history of your favorite foods by following us on Pinterest.

(Photos via FG Trade, Amanda Sager, ElinaDjan / Getty Images)

6 Common Foods That Could Be Making Your Stomach Hurt

Some of us know that feeling of a post-lunch stomachache all too well, but many of us are still in the dark about how what we’re eating impacts our digestive systems! Some of the most common foods in your daily routine could be the reason behind your bloating, cramps, or general tummy discomfort. These 6 foods might be messing with your gut – here’s how they can trigger pains, aches, indigestion, and more.

P.S. If you're experiencing frequent stomach pain, it might be helpful to keep a food diary and note when any symptoms occur to help you identify specific triggers. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional is a good idea.

Scroll on for 6 foods that commonly cause stomach discomfort.

Mark Stebnicki / PEXELS

1. Hot peppers

Hot peppers like jalapeños, serranos, habaneros, and more contain capsaicin, which lends them their spicy heat. Though capsaicin can totally enhance the flavors of certain dishes, it can also irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, causing pains, cramps, upset bowel movements, acid reflux, or heartburn.

Shantanu Pal / PEXELS

2. Curry spices

Many common curry spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder tend to stimulate stomach acid production. While they can aid digestion when eaten in small amounts, they can be harmful if you're simply sensitive to them or eat ‘em in large doses. If you have a sensitive stomach, you could experience indigestion, bloating, or a burning sensation from certain spices.

Charlotte May / PEXELS

3. Milk

Ah, yes – the ol’ lactose intolerance! Milk obviously contains lactose, which is commonly hard to digest. If you’re lactose intolerant or have a sensitive stomach, consuming milk can lead to gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea as undigested lactose ferments in the gut.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

4. Cheese

Just like milk, cheese contains lactose – though typically in smaller amounts. Nonetheless, it can trigger plenty of tummy problems. Aged cheese in particular can also be high in fat, slowing digestion.

Eyad Tariq / PEXELS

5. Coffee

Coffee is not only naturally acidic on its own, but it also encourages the stomach to produce more acid. This can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to acid reflux, heartburn, or gastritis (AKA inflammation of the stomach lining). On the contrary, it can also speed up digestion, leading to cramping or less-than-ideal bowel movements.

Pixabay / PEXELS

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another naturally acidic food and can trigger acid reflux or heartburn easily. These symptoms are especially prevalent in people with sensitive stomachs or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The acidity can also irritate the esophagus and cause a burning sensation or indigestion after eating.

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Drew Barrymore Just Dropped Her Viral Chair In Pink – Plus 9 More Pieces We're Shopping RN

Colorful, sleek, playful, energizing, and femme are all words you can use to describe Beautiful by Drew, Drew Barrymore's stunning lineup of home decor and kitchen appliances. Sold conveniently at Walmart, her collection’s certainly gained traction for being affordable, but looking luxe.

Fans of Drew also know just how iconic her Beautiful Chair is – and it’s been restocked in gorgeous new colors as of late, including an adorable blush pink shade! Shop the viral piece below, plus 9 more home decor finds we are simply obsessed with.

Scroll on to shop our favorite Beautiful by Drew Barrymore home decor finds for a fun (yet affordable) refresh!

Walmart

Pink Blush B oucle Beautiful Drew Chair

This cozy swivel chair ($298) boasts an oversized seat that feels like a chair and a half, allowing you to really sink in for morning coffees, reading sessions, and more. The boucle material it's coated in only adds to the coziness, plus it comes in more stunning colors beyond this new pink hue like gray, green, brown, and more!

One Walmart shopper who reviewed the chair said it's “amazing quality. I get compliments on it. It's roomier than it looks. The chair was so easy to assemble! I don't have a lot of extra money so this was a “big” purchase for me. I'm so happy that it looks and feels expensive. I have had no “this was made cheap” moments like I get with a lot of things!!”

Walmart

Framed Vintage Floral Field Wall Art

This adorably ornate frame lets you lean into all the spring feels with a soft pastel color palette.

Walmart

3-Shelf Open Bookcase

This $178 bookcase looks like a ton of fun to style by adding your favorite books, decor pieces, picture frames, and more! You could even use it as a record player stand or enlist it as storage (storage that's stylish, that is).

Walmart

Tonal Houndstooth Cotton Decorative Pillow

We love a tassle 'round here, and this decorative pillow has the perfect amount of flair for dressing up any sofa ensemble or bedspread.

Walmart

Slim Lavender Espresso Maker

Though this espresso maker's not technically a decor piece, it surely is pretty. Functional in the way it crafts high-quality coffee to keep you going and fun (thanks to its unique color palette and sleek design), you'll love keeping this pick on your counter.

Walmart

Textured 6-Pack Towel Set

With 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, and 2 wash towels, this $25 set is a perfect snag if you're upgrading your bathroom.

Walmart

Rattan & Glass Side Table

With subtle nods to mid-century modern design, this $148 wood table with a glass and rattan top is instantly trendy in any room.

Walmart

Framed Graphic Flower Wall Decor Set

This $28 diptych depicting a pair of bold flowers would look extremely chic hovering over a bar cart or console table. The simple black and white palette makes 'em super easy to style, so you can really run with any color scheme you want to with other pieces!

Walmart

Fluted TV Stand

Suitable for TV's up to 70 inches wide, this $198 stand is downright stunning and especially minimalist-friendly! It has two sliding doors to hide clutter away, plus some convenient cable cutaways so any and all messy cords can be concealed.

Walmart

Amber Glass Flower Vase

This warm $10 vase adds handmade charm wherever you place it. We highly recommend adding fresh flowers!

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I’m Finding Peace In My "Soft Girl Era" — 11 Ways It Enhances Self Care

In less than 6 months, I experienced two devastating events that forced me to gauge my relationship with self care. Tough conversations with my inner circle made me aware that I needed to embrace my "soft girl era", but I didn't know where to start. On certain parts of TikTok, it looked like I needed to surround myself with new home decor or beauty buys, while other people implied it's about living a life that's free of stress.

To cut out the noise, I took a break from social media so I could ask myself what I need to thrive. This resulted in me making a temporary decision about my fertility journey, slowly axing out foods that disrupt my hormones, and choosing things that make me feel at peace in my mind, body, and soul.

Uncover 11 ways having a "soft girl era" can help transform your self-care!

1. It Can Help You Examine Your Relationship With Social Media & The News

Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

Do you have a healthy relationship with social media and the news, or have you been doom scrolling? I'll be the first to say I've had to set strict limits for myself because it's been too easy to stay glued to gossip sites and what's happening in the world. While it's always great to be informed, there is a such thing as information overload that can affect us mentally and emotionally.

Make an effort to find activities to occupy your time sans scrolling endlessly on Instagram, TikTok, or other news platforms.

2. It Allows You To Be Honest With Yourself If You're An Overthinker

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Have you been allowing overthinking to make you feel stressed? If so, you should try writing down or repeating a few phrases to help you calm down. They're such a big help if you have anxiety because they remind you that you can be present in the moment instead of existing solely in your head.

3. It Opens You Up To Asking For Help

Ron Lach/Pexels

This should be in all caps, but I don't want you to think I'm yelling at you. It's just, I know what it's like to be hyper-independent while embodying the traits of a "strong woman." But, there's some things you can't #GirlBoss or #LuckyGirlSyndrome your way out, and it can be devastating if you don't like asking for help maneuvering a tough event.

I'm still processing an emergency situation I was in after what was supposed to be a routine doctor's visit, so I've been out of my element whenever I lean on my family and friends for emotional support. I usually like to deal with sad or scary situations by myself, but not all things are meant to be shouldered by ourselves.

What I can tell you is that asking for help and receiving it makes life a little more peaceful because there's no extra burden of hurting while trying to portray a role society claims it loves.

4. You'll Become Comfortable Journaling Your Thoughts

Tonette Whitted/Dupe

I sound like a broken record, but I feel strongly about journaling your thoughts. It's a way of processing things that have happened and how you feel about them. Also, it can be a place where you create lists of goals, books you want to read, hobbies you want to try, and more!

5. You'll Give Yourself Permission To Rest

Cora Pursley/Dupe

If you can, push the pause button on being available to everyone for a couple of days. Even if you're an extrovert, it never hurts to occasionally stay in bed and do nothing. Take it from someone who has a hard time resting: you're not "lazy" if you're not always going somewhere or talking to someone.

It's completely fine to reset your mind, body, and soul.

6. You'll Begin To Do Nice Things For Yourself

Abigal Westlin/Dupe

Buying myself flowers is one of my favorite things to do in my soft girl era. Instead of waiting for a man to surprise me with a bouquet outside of Valentine's Day, I regularly adorn my home with tulips or sunflowers. They bring a touch of beauty and greenery to my space which helps on WFH days that feel challenging.

7. It's A Great Way To Rediscover Your Love Of Reading

Daniela Lara/Dupe

Can you think of the one book that makes you laugh, smile, and cry tears of joy? If so, that's the book you'll want to keep near your nightstand. It'll help you break up with your dependence on screen time while also giving you a chance to let your imagination fly. The added bonus is that you'll fall back in love with reading!

8. You'll Genuinely Find Ways To Nourish Your Body.

Payton Butler/Dupe

Being a soft girl isn't just about looking good or reaching for fun things, it's also about nourishing your body with healthy meals. Sometimes we eat and drink things that our digestive system doesn't like, so I'm recommending that you make small changes to your meals.

You can create your own Mediterranean bowl à la Cava or aim to eat more fruits and veggies during the week. Whatever you choose, just remember to start small!

9. You May Even Adopt A Sober Lifestyle

Sivan Weitz/Dupe

Whether you know it or not, there's great joy in grabbing a non-alcoholic beverage with your bestie in the city. You can catch up about life, share your dreams or whatever's troubling you, and sip the greenest beverage that beats the idea of eating green eggs and ham. That's right — I'm talking about matcha.

Is it the pretty green hue we can't stop staring at or does it really taste that good? Let's compromise and say it's both!

10. Solo Activities Won't Feel Daunting

Thyra Morton/Dupe

You don't have to be the next Frida Kahlo to enjoy a paint class! I personally like to engage in coloring or painting because it helps me find something else to focus on. Though it seems simple, the art of having a fun hobby you're not trying to perfect or gain profit from sparks your inner kid's joy.

11. The Beach Will Actually Feel Relaxing For Once

Sash Gabriel/Dupe

You deserve a mini vacation that includes putting beach towel down on hot sand near the ocean so you can read your newest TBR pick. It's soothing feeling the sun on your skin while a gentle breeze blows which is why I recommend everyone try to experience it a few times per month.

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11 Thoughtful Anthropologie Mother’s Day Gifts Under $50

Anthropologie is one of our go-to destinations for gifty finds – their selection spans from beauty gifts and home decor finds to stylish accessories, all of which are so adorable. Since mom deserves only the best this Mother's Day, we weeded through Anthro’s gift section and found 11 thoughtful picks that’ll run you just $50 or less. There’s truly something for every kind of mom!

If you're searching for even more affordable Mother's Day gifts, check out our gift guide of luxe-feeling finds under $15!

These 11 Anthropologie Mother's Day gifts under $50 are sure to make her feel loved (without breaking your budget)!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Birth Month Flower Boxed Candle

Customizable per her birth month, this floral candle comes in the cutest packaging that makes it feel oh-so gift-worthy.

Anthropologie

The Mud Fairy Blooming Hearts Stoneware Pitcher

This stunning, colorful pitcher could also work wonderfully as a vase for some fresh Mother's Day blooms! The flower illustrations make it the perfect centerpiece for mom to set out this spring and summer.

Anthropologie

Maisy Glass Lamp Candle Holder

Doubling as a chic lamp and a candle holder, the home decor-obsessed mom will fully appreciate this glass piece's function and beauty.

Anthropologie

CALPAK Insulated Lunch Bag

This insulated bag will transform any mom-on-the-go's lunchtime routine, thanks to its stylish flair and practical pockets.

Anthropologie

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil

This stuff smells like absolute heaven, so it'll certainly feel like a luxe treat for mom. The sweet almond oil not only adds to its delicious aroma, but nourishes the skin, too, once it generously lathers up in the shower or bath.

Anthropologie

Beaded Bubble Letter Lowercase Monogram Necklace

This lively rainbow necklace is easily personalized with a gold-plated lowercase monogram, of which you can sync up to your mom's name or your own so she can don an adorable reminder of you!

Anthropologie

Favorite Daughter Mom Of The Year Baseball Cap

She already knows she's earned this title – now all she needs is this easy-fitting 'mom of the year' (and, well, every year) cap that allows her to really rock it!

Anthropologie

HydroJug 40-Ounce Traveler

This is one of the cutest tumbler designs we've ever seen, so mom is sure to be obsessed with it, too. It carries an entire 40 ounces of liquid so she can stay hydrated throughout the day, plus the leakproof straw prevents any and every spill.

Anthropologie

Luzè Strawberry Candle Warmer Lamp

Candle warmers like this are all the rage right now, and this fruity design lets mom slowly burn any candle – sans flame – for a strong smell and a longer-lasting candle. It'd look so cozy on her desk or bedside table!

Anthropologie

The Bistro Tile Frame: Mom Edition

You gotta love a sentimental gift – this tiled frame would be perfect for displaying a fond mom memory or family photo for a gift that'll definitely make her feel all the things!

Anthropologie

Ellis Brooklyn Biography Eau De Parfum Gift Set

Packed with 9 captivating scents, this gift set is great for the mom who likes to switch things up, especially when it comes to her beauty routine!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more gift ideas year-round!

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38 Beauty Products That Are Perfect for the '90s Grunge Revival Trend

If there's something we can all agree on, it's probably that '90s beauty trends were some of the best. A flawless foundation, precise eyeliner, and brown-pink lipsticks with an edgy vibe were the quintessential features of this iconic era in the world of beauty. We've rounded up some of our top picks for re-creating this iconic makeup vibe, from long-lasting lip stains to skincare finds that'll refine pores, hydrate, and leave your skin feeling better than ever.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Glam Effortlessly With This Vibrant Eyeshadow

Amazon

This highly pigmented eyeshadow stick will transform your experience with eye makeup. Easily create a custom palette of more than 30 vibrant colors for any occasion—from subtle elegance to bold drama.

Who Really Invented the Açaí Bowl?

Açaí Origins

WHERE THE Açaí SMOOTHIE BOWL COMES FROM

Açaí Bowls in America

Scroll on for 6 foods that commonly cause stomach discomfort.

1. Hot peppers

2. Curry spices

3. Milk

4. Cheese

5. Coffee

6. Tomatoes

Scroll on to shop our favorite Beautiful by Drew Barrymore home decor finds for a fun (yet affordable) refresh!

Uncover 11 ways having a "soft girl era" can help transform your self-care!

1. It Can Help You Examine Your Relationship With Social Media & The News

2. It Allows You To Be Honest With Yourself If You're An Overthinker

3. It Opens You Up To Asking For Help

4. You'll Become Comfortable Journaling Your Thoughts

5. You'll Give Yourself Permission To Rest

6. You'll Begin To Do Nice Things For Yourself

7. It's A Great Way To Rediscover Your Love Of Reading

8. You'll Genuinely Find Ways To Nourish Your Body.

9. You May Even Adopt A Sober Lifestyle

10. Solo Activities Won't Feel Daunting

11. The Beach Will Actually Feel Relaxing For Once

These 11 Anthropologie Mother's Day gifts under $50 are sure to make her feel loved (without breaking your budget)!

Glam Effortlessly With This Vibrant Eyeshadow

This Eye Brightener With Instant Results

This Highlighter Stick Glides Like a Pro

A Vitamin C Serum for Anti-Aging

The All-in-1 L'Oreal Lumi Glotion

This Tinted Moisturizer With a Universal Tint

Brighten Eyes Fast With TruSkin Peptide Eye Gel

You'll Obsess Over This One-Step Corrector

Exfoliate and Refine the Skin With Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0

Add Some Radiance to Your Face With These Drops

Age Gracefully With a Retinol Eye Stick

Add Hydration for Days With This CeraVe Moisturizer

This Shave Oil for Baby-Soft Skin

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Instantly Brighten Your Under Eyes With This Balm

Revitalize Dry Lips With a Plumping Lip Oil

Stand Out With Bold And Lasting Color With This Eyeliner Pencil

Get a Plumper Pout with an e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss

This All-In-1 Balm Heals Everything

Your Lashes Will Thank You for Using This Mascara Primer

Try This Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Anti Aging Night Face Oil

Get Ready to Prime, Correct, and Set With Milani Make It Last

Get the Airbrushed Look With This MagicMinerals AirBrush Foundation

Go With a Glow

Get Kissable Lips with Maybelline New York Super Stay Vinyl Ink Longwear No-Budge Liquid Lipcolor Makeup

Protect Your Skin With a Mineral Powder Sunscreen

Celebrities Swear By This Concealer

This Powder Foundation Won't Look Cakey

This TULA Skin Care Eye Balm Is the Worst Nightmare of Dark Circles

A Multi Stick With a Gorgeous Shimmer

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This Body Spray Lotion Smells Amazing

This Hair Treatment With Over 60,000 5-Star Reviews

The Classic Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

This Lip Stain for All-Day Beauty

A Brown Mascara to Compliment Warm Eyeshadows

A Gel Sleeping Mask for Hydrated, Clear Skin

A Hydrating Lip Balm With a Hint of Color