Could a small purple berry fuel unlimited stamina, heal innumerable health complaints and turn back the hands of time? Maqui berry can do all of this and more. The fierce Mapuche warriors indigenous to Chile attribute their strength, vigor and unconquerable spirit to this little known South American berry. As one of the most extraordinary fruits, maqui boasts an impressive list of healthful benefit including cancer prevention, taming inflammation, managing blood sugar levels and supporting a healthy heart. Grown in an ecological manner with time-honored harvesting methods, maqui is a shining star among environmentally friendly superfoods.
A heroic fruit
Maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) is a vibrant purple fruit that grows abundantly across fields and hillsides in southern Chile. As a plentiful berry bush that grows wild, cultivation has proven to be unnecessary. Maqui contains 300 percent more anthocyanins and 150 percent more polyphenols than any known food or drink, including wine. For generations, the Mapuche Indians have consumed maqui as a fermented beverage. As legend has it, the Mapuche Indians are the only unconquered people of South America. Nourished by maqui, they fought the Spaniards for over 300 years. And won. Today, Mapuche families come together to hand pick the berries in a traditional fashion. The plants are naturally organic as long as their growing habitats are protected from industrial pollutants and encroachment.
