• Scientific name: Euterpe oleracea
• Taste: Sweet, earthy, tart

Health benefits: Odds are you’ve tried a trendy açai bowl or smoothie, or even açai powder, but you’ve probably never eaten this berry raw. “These have a very short shelf life, which is why we don’t find them fresh,” says Stoler. “They require quite a bit of processing (soaking) to make their skins edible.”

Thanks to its protein and fiber content, açai is prime for boosting energy  and keeping you full. It’s also been linked to improving blood circulation and preventing blood clots , as it’s purported to act as a sort of natural blood thinner that relaxes the blood vessels. The Brazilian superfruit is also loaded with  (three times the amount found in blueberries, to be exact) and could help boost brain function and healthy cholesterol.

Recipes: Dark Chocolate Açai Smoothie Bowl, Açai-Banana Sorbet, Chocolate Açai Ice Box Cake