Recently, acai bowls have become very popular at Ventura High School. More than five different places sell them daily in Ventura and many VHS students know about or have been to these places.

What even is acai? Acai is a South-American palm tree that produces small edible blackish-purple berries. Those berries are then blended together, typically with a fruit base or milk, and served in a bowl.

Usually these acai bowls are topped with granola, honey, bananas and other types of fruit. Others can also contain peanut butter or almond butter.

Senior Sammy Zanini said, “I first tried an acai bowl at Stoked a few months ago when everyone first started talking about it. I like Stoked because it kinda has bigger portions but…Sandbox is like I can’t explain it’s just so delicious. I go there all the time!”

According to FindaTopDoc, acai became very popular after studies showed it has some weight loss and anti-aging effects. The pulp of the fruit is rich in antioxidants and research shows that it surpasses the amounts seen in cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and other berries. It’s considered a super-food and is typically eaten for health benefits.

Junior Tate Billings said, “[I first tried an acai bowl] a few months ago. My favorite part is just taking a bite of everything at the same time, it’s just really good.”