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Introduction of Maqui Fruit

            Scientific name - Aristotelia chilensis

Aristotelia chilensis commonly known as Maqui or Chilean Wine berry is a species having its roots from the Elaeocarpaceae family (Maqui is a Chilean name). Sparsely cultivated they are inhabitant to the Valdivian temperate rainforests of Chile and neighboring regions of southern Argentina. Maqui is an evergreen, small dioecious tree that reaches to a height of 4-5 m in height. With flexible, thin and profuse branches, it’s portioned out trunk has a smooth bark. Many aspects come into play while describing the leaves of the tree namely they are simple, opposite, hanging, oval-lanceolate, with serrated edges, naked and coriaceous.

At the age of seven, you can expect the tree to produce berries upto 10kg per year. Resembling the taste of blackberries, they are very small and purple in color, with 4-6 mm in diameter; they contain just about 4-8 aslant seeds.

Nutritional Value of Maqui Fruit

Nutritions	value
Protein	5,15g
Carbohydrates	74,97g
Dietary Fiber	46,30g
Total Sugars	24,23g
Total Fat	7,63g
Saturated Fat	1,09g
Water	9,55g
Vitamin C	2,553g
Vitamin E	751IU
Potassium	763mg
Calcium	255mg
Sodium	24mg
Iron	7,7mg
Calories	389

Uses of Maqui Fruit

Predominantly due to interest for color and Anthocyanin content, the berries are used for food and dietary supplements. The edible plant is known for its several medicinal values and it is believed to be used for weight loss, Diabetes, fatigue, cardiovascular disease and several other conditions, however it needs more substantiation. A concoction was prepared with the leaves and was used for sore throat and wound dressing. The seeds were used for preparing a Chilean alcoholic beverage. Moreover, it was eaten raw as well. They are a rich source of antioxidants than any discovered food on earth.

The Maqui berries are processed into jam, juice, an astringent or as an ingredient in processed beverages and foods, drying part is required for it. More to the point, before it was consumed in juice form and as whole, but now it is found in a number of dietary supplements such as powders and capsules

Health benefits of Maqui Fruit

Boosts your immune system
Enhances your energy levels
Promotes Anti Aging
Contributes to Cardiovascular Strength
Supports a Healthy Heart
Aids in Cancer Prevention (more research pending)
Reduces Micro Vascular Problems that lead to Heart Attack and Strokes
Promotes Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Appetite Suppressant
Supports Low Blood Pressure
Reduces LDL Levels
Detoxification of the Digestive System
Prevents diabetes induced retinopathy (blindness)
Increases Strength and Stamina
Neutralizes Certain Enzymes that Cause Inflammation and Pain
Treats Ailments as Sore Throat, Diarrhea, Ulcers, & Fevers

Harvesting

During the period of December to March, the berries are collected by families, mainly by the inhabitants of south-central Chile. They collect the produce near the Andes Mountains. The side branches of the tree are collected initially and then it’s shaken to separate the berries. Furthermore, a mechanical process is undergone to separate berries from leaves.

Habitat

The species requires the following environmental conditions to grow well and this is with regards to Chile.

Watering conditions: It flourishes well in humid areas with constant rainfall. They can tolerate very short dry periods, usually not longer than 1 month and dry areas where the drought may last 3 - 5 months. Precipitations of 400 - 800 mm

Light conditions: With great exposure to sun, it requires some amount of protection from direct sunlight, some shadow

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