“While foods like beans, nuts, tea and spinach help comprise (the list of superfoods), colorful antioxident-rich superfruits like pomegranates, mongosteen, Asian goji berries and Brazilian acai are currently garnering the most attention,” says Freeport’s Cathy Nash Holley, publisher of “Flavor & The Menu” magazine.
Then there’s the superfruit we already know and love, wild Maine blueberries.
Blueberries (which fight inflammation), pomegranate (prostate cancer), cranberries (oral bacteria) and grapes (atherosclerosis), which all make the superfruits list, can readily be found in dishes, juices and smoothies at local eateries. Few of the other supers have made their marks on the menus of local chefs yet, but you can get some of them at grocery stores to bring home and perk up the health of your family.
“Beverages are a natural entry point for these less common superfruit flavors,” Nash Holley says. Maine Squeeze Juice Cafe in Portland serves blends of superfruit-laden smoothies and even national brand Orange Julius has a pomegranate and berries smoothie.
“Beyond juices, look for superfruits in teas and mixed drinks. “We saw how fast the pomegranate martini took off a couple years ago,” Nash Holley says. “Look for acai martinis and cosmos to share the spotlight.” Goji berries, she says, are often found in dried form. “Look for these to start appearing in salads at trend-setting restaurants.” On the retail side, you may find them in trail mixes or as cereal of yogurt additives.
Here’s the low-down on the lesser-known but trendy fruits you should be eating:
Acai — The flavor of this berry is a mix of boysenberry and cherry with hints of chocolate. In addition to antioxidants, it also contains amino acids, essential fatty acids and dietary fiber. It’s biggest claim to fame is fighting leukemia. Find it in juice form at the market.
Guarana — Although not as acclaimed for nutrients or antioxidants, this fruit is said to combat mental fatigue. The fruit is about the size of a coffee berry and contains one seed, which has about five times the caffeine as coffee beans.
Goji — Herbalists will tell you these berries can fight anything from protecting the liver and eyes to increased fertility and circulation. The taste is slightly sweet and sour and gojis have more vitamin C than oranges. Find them in juices and tea blends.
Mangosteen — Another leukemia fighter, it looks like a small peach but has a dark purple skin and hard rind. The tannins in the rind may help stave off diarrhea, IBS and some skin conditions. The inside taste is comparable to a pineapple or peach.
— Karen Beaudoin