Video: Marsal, That Açaí Guy on Ipanema Beach

Posted in Food & Drink, Rio de Janeiro on 22. Feb, 2010

Hello all,

As usual, I spent time this weekend on the beach. In this post I’d like to introduce you to one of the fabled characters who populate the sand here.

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Anyone who has spent an afternoon on Ipanema Beach has probably heard the bass baritone of Marsal, better known as “That Açaí Guy.” He struts up and down the beach in his signature red sunga (Speedo) hawking açaí (pronounced “ah sigh EE”.

Marsal the Açaí Guy hawking açaí on Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Açaí, for the uninitiated, is a food made from the berry of the açaí palm. The berry is usually prepared as a kind of sherbet, sorbet, or smoothie and served chilled or frozen. The taste isn’t bad, but it is strong and unique, so it’s often mixed with granola or other fruit. I like mine with banana.

Açaí, depending on which source you choose to believe, is a miracle dietary supplement or hype in a cup. Açaí is high in carbohydrates, and contains iron, calcium, and vitamin A. It is frequently touted as an energy booster, and is widely consumed after a night of too much partying. More extravagant claims say açaí can cure diabetics and increase the size of a man’s penis. You’ll have to judge for yourself…