Maqui Berry: The Superfruit from Patagonia
WHAT IS MAQUI BERRY?
Maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) is a native purple dark berry that grows exclusively in the Patagonia region, and it has been consumed since ancient times by indigenous people.
It is an evergreen tree with a divided trunk that reaches up to 4-5 meters in height. It has reddish stems with thin, floppy branches, and its bark is smooth, soft, and easily detached.
The leaves are petiolated, ovate-lanceolate, perennials, measuring between 4-9 centimeters.
OLD HEALTHY HISTORY
Maqui berry has health properties that have been known for centuries by Mapuche indigenous people who have lived in the south of Chile and Patagonia region. Mapuches have considered the Maqui berry as a gift of the mother Nature.
PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND HEALTH BENEFITS
The Maqui berry is a rich source of polyphenols, particularly a type called
anthocyanins—the same family of compounds that give the berry its deep, dark purple color and exceptionally high antioxidant capacity. These are the same powerful molecules found in red wine.
While other fruits like blueberries and blackberries also contain antioxidants, the Maqui berry stands out. What makes it truly unique is its high concentration of delphinidins, a subgroup of anthocyanins known for their potent antioxidant properties and significant health benefits.
Today, the health benefits of Maqui berry—especially in supporting eye and skin health, as well as managing metabolic disorders—are well-researched and widely published.
