Have you ever bought açaí packets from your favourite store and wondered how long you can keep it for? The good news is, when stored correctly, you can keep açaí in the freezer until you’re ready to consume it again (unless it’s been left out too long or above 4°C). You can also make and store açaí smoothies in the fridge but only if you plan to drink them in the next couple of days.
Frozen açaí can spoil easily which is why it needs to be stored correctly.
In this guide we’ll explain:
- Why açaí needs to be frozen
- How long açaí lasts in the freezer?
- Can you refreeze açaí puree?
- How long do nutrients last after blending?
- How long does açaí powder last?
Why açaí needs to be frozen
Açaí has been a staple part of the diet for thousands of years for the indigenous people who reside in the Amazon region. This small purple berry is found high up in bunches on the açaí palm. Traditionally in brazil, fresh açaí berries are consumed within the same day or are alternatively pulped and frozen. The flavour is described as a combination of berries and chocolate.
The reason we are now able to consume açaí berries in all parts of the world is thanks to modern technology and transport. The raw fruit must be processed within 24 hours of harvesting and are now highly sought after around the world due to their natural antioxidants and vitamins.
After açaí berries have been pulped, they are frozen at -18°C and must be kept at this temperature at all times. This means shipping costs can be extremely high as keeping products frozen is not an easy process.
How long does açaí last in the freezer?
If you have bought açaí pulp from a wholesale distributor or at the supermarket, there is generally an 18-month validity after production. It’s best to check the expiry date as this can vary between types of açaí. If the acai is pure and good quality however it is likely to still be ok long after the expiry date, so long as it has been kept frozen the whole time.
If you have used the açaí pulp to make an açaí bowl, you can keep açaí in the freezer for up to three months, as long as it’s stored properly in a sealed container or jar. Simply place it in the freezer until you plan to eat it. Transfer it to the fridge the night before so that it can thaw overnight and then add toppings in the morning when you’re ready to eat. This however can vary depending on the other ingredients you have used. It’s best to make sure they have a freezer stable shelf life.
If you just want to leave your açaí in the fridge, you can store it in a sealed container or jar for up to three days.
Can you refreeze açaí puree?
The short answer is: yes.
However, never refreeze frozen açaí that has been left out for a long time and is warmer than 4°C. This can cause the fruit to be exposed to bacteria, which you want to avoid. Never refreeze after 2-3 days as this is only asking for trouble.
If your açaí puree is safe to refreeze, keep it in an airtight container.
How long do nutrients last after blending?
It depends what you’re blending. It’s usually recommended to consume açaí bowls or smoothies within 24 hours for maximum nutrition, freshness and taste. However, chlorophyll which is found in green vegetables such as spinach can keep your smoothie alive for up to 48 hours.
Just like an apple or banana, acai will also start to oxidise and turn a brown color when either not processed and frozen quick enough by the manufacturer or if left out at room temperature and defrosted.
How long does açaí powder last?
Açaí powder usually has a two-year expiry date and is much easier and cheaper to ship. The downside to using açaí powder is that it doesn’t have the same depth of flavour as açaí pulp and it’s much harder to blend when making an açaí bowl. Açaí pulp creates a thick, scoopable texture that you need in an açaí bowl which is much harder to do using the powdered form.