Maqui Berry History

The Maqui berry (also known as the Chilean wineberry) comes from the heart of the comparatively obscure temperate rain forests of the Valdivian in Chile, specifically Patagonia. Maqui berry is only known to grow in this area, on some of the most rich earth on the planet and one of the least polluted.

Maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) is part of the family of trees and shrubs known as Elaeocarpaceae. The Maqui is actually nearer to a shrub, growing to about 15 feet in height. The bark of the Maqui shrub is smoothish and gray in colour with white blooms that appear prior to the appearance of the berries. The Mqui berries themselves are the size of a grape with black/purple skin. When squeezed, they will produce a dark purlple juice. Maqui berries have several small seeds. Their taste is not dissimilar to that of the blueberry.

While it's health benefits have only recently been identified, the berry itself was first given it's latin name back in 1784. Explorers brought seedlings back to the UK in the late 1700's for cultivation both for it's edible fruit, and attractiveness of the plant.

The Mapuche Indians (indegenous to Patagonia) have long used the berries to make a drink called "chicha", while the leaves and bark of the shrub were used for the medicinal properties they possess. Chicha is a staple of the Mapuche diet and is still enjoyed today. The Chicha kept them sustained over the bitter winter months and gave embued them with strength and endurance during hunting season. A wine is also made using Maqui berries which is gaining in popularity. As well as alcohol, Maqui berries are also used to make jams and fresh juice drinks. As is common in all cultures, nothing was wasted. The leaves were used to treat sore throats, in place of plasters and bandages, and also as an analgesic. As the bark is very easily peeled, it's long fibrous strips were used for binding wounds.

In the 16th century, Spain started a 300 year quest to conquer what is now the land we call Chile. They noticed that the Mapuche diet was sparse, but that they drank their "chicha" several times a day. The Spanish concluded that it was this that helped sustain their enemies renown strength and stamina, allowing them to ward off multiple attempts to conquer them.

According to the Mapuche, the Maqui berry was sacred, contained exceptional healing power, and was a vital part of their diet. It was only in the 20th century that their belief was validated when the Maqui berry was identified as having one of the highest content of natural antioxidants compared to other fruits - and as "modern" science has discovered, antioxidants are essential in building a strong immune system and good health. No wonder the Spanish felt awe in front of these tribes people.

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