Discover Brazil – A land of natural wonders and vibrant culture
Brazil, the largest country in South America, stretches from the equator to the subtropics, offering some of the world’s most diverse landscapes – from golden beaches to lush rainforest. Home to over 200 million people, it’s a vibrant mix of cultures, traditions and breathtaking scenery.
The Amazon Rainforest, known as the “lungs of the Earth”, is Brazil’s wild heart. This vast tropical jungle shelters millions of plant and animal species found nowhere else. The mighty Amazon River winds through this emerald wilderness, sustaining ecosystems and local communities. A journey here is an unforgettable encounter with raw biodiversity.
But Brazil’s wonders go beyond its rainforest. São Paulo brims with cultural energy, from art galleries and theatre to a thriving culinary scene. Rio de Janeiro enchants with its iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, golden beaches and the joyous explosion of Carnival – a celebration of music, dance and dazzling costumes.
Another Brazilian treasure is the açaí berry. Known worldwide for trendy smoothie bowls, it holds deeper significance at home. In the Amazon, açaí has long been used in teas and remedies for fever, joint pain and inflammation. In cuisine, it’s enjoyed pure with manioc flour, fish or game, or transformed into juices, sorbets, desserts and natural food colourings.
Beyond the kitchen, açaí oil enriches shampoos, conditioners, moisturisers and soaps, helping to reduce frizz, boost shine and protect colour. It even serves as a natural dye for textiles and cosmetics, while the seeds are repurposed as fertiliser, animal feed or biomass fuel.
With its tropical beauty, lively cities and the astonishing versatility of açaí, Brazil is a place where nature, culture and creativity truly flourish.
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PR & Communication Manager
Will Marcolino
The best Amazonian regions for açaí, and a special place called Lençóis Maranhenses
When it comes to açaí, few places rival the richness and authenticity of Brazil’s Amazon region. Grown deep within the rainforest, the açaí berry flourishes in tropical climates, especially along the riverbanks where the soil is naturally fertile and nutrient-rich. These ideal conditions help produce the refreshing, deep purple berries that have become a beloved superfood across the world.
The state of Pará is widely recognised as the heartland of açaí production, particularly the regions around Belém and the island of Marajó. These areas are celebrated for their high-quality berries with an earthy, slightly nutty taste that’s both refreshing and energising. Amazonas state also contributes significantly, with traditional harvesting practices that respect the rhythm of the forest and the people who call it home.
But beyond these key regions, there is one place that holds a deeply personal significance for Luiz Silva Santos, founder of Brothers of Açaí, the breathtaking Lençóis Maranhenses. Located in the state of Maranhão, this unique national park sits just outside the main Amazon basin. It’s famous for its rolling white sand dunes and crystal-clear freshwater lagoons that appear during the rainy season, creating a surreal and unforgettable landscape.
For our founder, Lençóis Maranhenses is more than just a natural wonder; it represents his roots, his journey, and the inspiration behind Brothers of Açaí. It’s a place that reflects the beauty, resilience, and richness of the region he proudly comes from.
At Brothers of Açaí, every bowl served is a tribute to this heritage, crafted with care, authenticity, and a deep love for the Amazon. And in every spoonful, you’ll find a taste of the forest, the dunes, and Luiz’s dream to share Brazil’s best with the UK, with his unique 71% real açaí.
Açaí: from indigenous roots in the Amazon to the British kitchen
Açaí, the deep purple berry harvested from the palm trees of the Amazon, has been at the heart of indigenous life for centuries. For many native tribes in the northern regions of Brazil, especially along the banks of the Amazon River, açaí was never merely a food.
It was a daily staple, a medicinal ingredient, and a cultural symbol. Harvesting açaí is a skill passed down through generations: agile climbers scale tall, slender palms barefoot, cutting the berry-laden branches with practised precision. Once gathered, the fruit is soaked and hand-pulped, a technique that retains its nutritional value and earthy flavour.In indigenous communities, açaí is often consumed fresh and unsweetened, served with cassava flour or fish, a far cry from the sugary bowls and smoothies commonly seen today. For them, it is both sustenance and heritage, a living link to the forest that sustains them.The journey of açaí beyond the Amazon began in Brazil’s coastal cities during the 1990s, when it was reimagined as a frozen dessert. From there, it caught the attention of health-conscious consumers worldwide, thanks to its high antioxidant content and distinctive taste. By the 2010s, açaí had reached Europe, including the UK. But in crossing oceans, much of its authenticity was lost; many brands diluted the berry to just 15–20% content, replacing the remainder with sugar and additives.This is where Brothers of Açaí stands apart.
Founded with a deep respect for the berry’s origins, the brand is the only one in the UK to offer a product made with 71% pure açaí, mirroring the richness enjoyed in the Amazon. The difference lies not only in taste, a richer, more robust berry flavour, but also in nutrition, staying true to the indigenous way of consumption that values purity over artificial sweetness.It serves as a reminder that some traditions are worth preserving, even if they have to travel thousands of miles to find their place in a British kitchen.
