The Maqui Berry
From the fertile and undeveloped area of Patagonia in Chile, and spreading in to part of Argentina grows an ancient shrub, the Maqui.
This stretch of land is known as the Valdivian rain forest region. It is a temperate broadleaf and mixed forest region. It stretches from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the mountains of the Andes in the east. This area is one of the most abundant and unpolluted regions in the world while also being an area of rough climatic extremes. Even under the sub-zero winter temperatures, the Maqui shrub has managed to thrive and support the local indigenous peoples.
The Maqui's scientific name is Aristotelia Chilensis. The "aristoelia" part of the name is from the Greek philosopher and naturalist Aristotle. The Maqui is part of the Elaeocarpaceae family of flowering trees and shrubs. The berry itself is about 5mm - 3/16 inch in diameter and a very dark purple in colour when fully ripe. Berries on average have 4 to 8 seeds. Maqui berry is also sometimes referred to as the Chilean Wineberry as the juice is used to make wine as well as an ancient traditional drink called "Chicha" (a fermented alcoholic drink).
Nothing is wasted of the tree by the indigenous peoples, the Mapuche Indians. While the fruit is used to make wine, beer, and jams, the pressed fruit juice is used as an astringent. The Maqui leaves have many uses: the leaves are used whole to treat burns; when gently stewed, the resulting liquid is used to treat wounds, sore throats, diarrhea, as well as an analdesic. The bark of the tree when carefully removed retains long fibrous strands which are used to create rope and finer cords.
Indeed the Mapuche Indians "Chicha" beer gained somewhat of a reputation with the Spanish who tried to conquer them. They came to the conclusion that it imbude them with extraordinary strength and stamina allowing them to hold off the Spanish forces. It was not only the Spanish though that held the Mapuche in high esteem - other invaders such as the Incas tried and failed to conquer them.
It was only in the last few years that some creedence was awarded to their alcholic drink of choice when it was discovered that the Maqui berry was a powerful source of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, boosting energy levels and the immune system. In fact the specific combination of vitamins, minerals and antixoidants is not know in any other fruit, marking this berry out as one of the true superfoods.
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