If you are someone who likes munching on fruits, they are likely to be fond of pomegranates and acai because these two are the most common superfoods available. Both these fruits are a great source of minerals and vitamins. However, if you have to choose between acai vs. pomegranate, we are sure you must be confused, but we have the information that might help!
Acai vs Pomegranate
Acai
Acai comes from the acai palm tree, a special form of palm tree that is cultivated for the fruits. With the increasing demand for this fruit, more acai palm trees have become evident, and these are the long and slender trees. As far as the acai fruit is concerned, it is popular for the black and purple color with round and small shape. Acai is actually a staple food available in the floodplain areas but has also gained popularity in the urban areas due to health benefits.
It looks pretty similar to a grape, but it tends to be smaller and has less pulp. This is because the seed can take up over 60% to 80% of acai. The plant can be planted all year round, but one cannot harvest the berry during the rainy season. This fresh fruit has become the ultimate dietary staple, and it can be processed into pulp and is sold as juice, frozen pulp, and base ingredients of different beverages. For instance, it can be an additional ingredient to smoothies, grain-based alcohol, and foods.
On top of everything, acai is consumed as acai na tigela in Brazil. In addition, many people have made this fruit an important part of the diet. In the U.S., it can be easily purchased from the acai bowls, which have the frozen puree of acai with fruit juice, nuts, fruits, sweeteners, oatmeal, and nut milk. In addition to the fruits, the leaves of the tree can be used for making baskets, roof thatch, hats, brooms, and mats as they are resistant to pests.
Coming back to the fruit, its seeds can be used as the ground for livestock food and is also an organic addition to the plant’s soil. These berries are native to the rainforests of the Amazon and boast a great flavor. To illustrate, acai has a flavor that seems to be a combination of berries and chocolate. The acais are loaded with antioxidants as well as important fatty acids. On top of everything, it provides the energy kick as coffee and actually delays aging.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is one of the delicious fruits out there, and it was first originated in the Mediterranean region. For the most part, it is commonly seen in the northern hemisphere during October and February, while the southern hemisphere will have pomegranate during March and May. These fruits are extremely versatile and can be used for various purposes, such as in alcoholic beverages, baking, juice blends, smoothies, garnishes, and wine.
It is extensively cultivated through tropical and north Africa, the Caucasus region, the Middle East, Central Asia, Iran, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. Pomegranate can be scored with the help of a knife, and the seeds can be separated from its peel and the internal membranes. It is pretty convenient to separate the seeds because these seeds tend to sink, and the pulp will float (pulp is not edible). In addition, separating the frozen pomegranate is pretty convenient.
On the other hand, some people just cut it in half and smack its rind with a heavy spoon. For the most part, it has sour notes, while the taste is moderate. Given this flavor, pomegranate juice has become a common beverage in the Middle East and Europe but is now also available in Canada and the United States. Its seeds are also used as a spice in Pakistani and Indian cuisines and can be easily purchased from the ethnic markets.
As far as the application is concerned, the dried pomegranate seeds can be added to curry to chutney as it has the capacity of adding a deep flavor to the dishes. In addition to this, it can be added to granola bars and trail mix, while many people use it as a garnish for ice cream, yogurt, and salad. In fact, pomegranate sauce is made in Azerbaijan and it’s served with fish.