Maqui

Maqui(Aristotelia chilensis) is a species of the Elaeocarpaceae family native to the Valdivian temperate rainforests of Chile and adjacent regions of southern Argentina. It is a small dioecious tree reaching 4-5 m in height, evergreen, and with a divided trunk with smooth bark. Its branches are abundant, thin and flexible. Its leaves are simple, opposite, pendulous, oval-lanceolate, with serrated edges, glabrous, coriaceous with venation and strong red petioles. Its flower is small and white, yielding a small edible fruit (maqui berry) that is a favored food for birds. The small, purple-black berries are approximately 4-6 mm in diameter.

Only limited polyphenol research has been completed on the maqui berry showing its anthocyanin content includes eight glucoside pigments of delphinidin and cyanidin, the principal anthocyanin being delphinidin 3-sambubioside-5-glucoside (34% of total anthocyanins). The average total anthocyanin content was 138 mg per 100 g of fresh fruit (212 mg per 100g of dry fruit), placing maqui low among berries for anthocyanin content.

According to myths, the edible maqui fruit was eaten by the Mapuche. Today, maqui may be used to make jam, juice, an astringent or as an ingredient in processed foods or beverages.

The maqui berry is also known as the Chilean wineberry, and locally as maqui or maquei, queldrón, ach, koelon, and clon.

Fruit Calories

Fruit Calories are made up of mostly simple carbohydrates, some proteins, and typically very little fat. Of course, there are exceptions such as the avocado.

Fruit is nature’s sugar (the sugar fructose) and can be thought of as a “healthy” carbohydrate. However, during a fat-reducing program, all simple sugars should be eaten in moderation, but don’t go too overboard! Fruit contains many healthy nutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.

Maqui Calories and Macro-Nutrients