I have wanted to introduce organic Acai into my diet after finding out that it is deemed one of the most potent superfoods on Earth. It contains 42 times more antioxidants than found in fresh blueberries and even more nutrients than spirulina. Acai contains an exceptional concentration of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, omegas, digestive fibre. As well as the obvious nutritional benefits, Acai is known to help aid weight loss, it has anti aging properties, improves digestion, boosts energy levels, supports the immune system and can lead to clearer beautiful skin. It really has a list that ticks all boxes. Recently I spent time with one of the most inspirational couples – Nicholas and Marilena Thomadaki who have brought this incredible product to Ibiza in a 100% pure pulp form with the added bonus of super energising guarana extract. I now have an entire freezer full of organic Acai.

Nico and Marilena made me an Acai Breakfast bowl when I met them at their home. I was actually astonished by how delicious it was. It has a wonderfully deep rich berry flavour with velvety mouth feel rather like a thick blended smoothie. It was topped with chopped apple, banana, berries, fabulous crunchy granola and then sprinkled with added powerhouse super foods: chia seeds and 100% raw cacao. I have to say it was a taste sensation, almost unbelievable that it can be so ridiculously good for you.

When I make this at home I always add some marvellous healthy avocado to the Acai blend along with frozen banana to give an even creamier mouth feel and then finish with a sprinkling of bee pollen packed full of protein, enzymes and many vitamins including B complex. Also Chia seeds and a good spoonful of raw cacao nibs that give a luxurious chocolatey note at the end. Then add any fruit topping of your choice, obviously blueberries, strawberries and raspberries add another power punch of goodness. Just have a play! When I have made this for family and friends they are shocked about what a taste sensation it is – and you can be smugly assured that you are being very kind to your body by eating it!

Ingredients for the Acai Bowl (serves 2)

2 good handfuls of home made granola – recipe below

2 x 100g pouch of frozen organic acai pulp (or 2 tablespoons freeze dried acai powder)

1 frozen banana

1 ripe avocado – peeled and stone removed

100ml organic coconut water

1 apple finely chopped into small chunks

fresh berries of your choice/blueberries/strawberries/raspberries

1 teaspoon chia seeds

1 teaspoon bee pollen

1 teaspoon 100% cacao nibs

Method

1. Put the Acai pulp, frozen banana, avocado and coconut water into a high speed blender and mix until smooth

2. In two bowls put half a handful of granola then spoon over your Acai mix followed by the chopped apple, some more granola and then the wonderful chia seeds, bee pollen and cacao and a scattering of fresh berries. Then taste the extreme goodness in every mouthful!

Ingredients for the homemade granola (makes a large batch)

2 tablespoons almond oil (or rapeseed)

1 tablespoon agave syrup (or honey)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon good quality vanilla essence

Muesli Oat Mix – look for good quality organic with spelt and rye

25g sunflower seeds

25g pumpkin seeds

25g desicated coconut

35g toasted almonds

75g sultanas

Method

1. Heat the oven to 150o. In a large bowl mix the oil, agave syrup, cinnamon, vanilla essence tip in all the dry ingredients apart from the sultanas (they tend to cook too quickly and can taste a little bitter)

2. Spread the mix evenly onto 2 flat baking trays and bake for 20 minutes, then sprinkle over the sultanas and bake for a further 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and tip onto a clean surface and allow to cool (and crisp up). When cooled add to an airtight jar and it will keep nicely for at least a month