Maqui berries - properties and method of use

Last update: January 23rd, 2024

min. reading

What are maqui berries?

Although maqui berries are not very widespread in Poland, they can increasingly be found on the shelves of health food stores. They grow on evergreen shrubs reaching an average of 4-5 meters called aristotelia chilensis. The fruits are round black berries that can be eaten dried or raw. They have a slightly tart and sweet taste. Currently, there are at least 7 species found naturally in Chile, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. [1]

The use of superfoods, or so-called , “superfoods”, benefits our health. Both maqui berries and chia seeds, spinach, kale and even olive oil fall into this group. Superfoods are foods that have not been processed and are sources of nutrients that have beneficial effects on the body. The use of these products in food reduces the likelihood of developing lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Where do they grow and how are they harvested?

Maqui berries are not planted in standard orchards and grow in forests far from pollution and human interference. Their natural habitat is the Valdivian forests – considered one of the cleanest places on earth. Some people plant aristotelia in home gardens. The fruits are harvested by natural methods between December and March. They arrive in Poland as dried fruit, powder or juice. The fruits are not transported fresh.

Properties of maqui berries

Maqui berries are considered nutraceuticals, that is, substances that are attributed with health and nutritional effects. So, in order to boost our immunity, we don’t need to reach for artificially produced vitamins – this role will already be played by maqui berries. [2]

Calcium is an extremely important mineral in our diet, as it is needed for growth and proper bone health. Maqui berries are a source of calcium. In addition, they have a significant amount of iron, which performs a number of functions in our body. People on vegan and vegetarian diets should choose plant-based products that contain a significant amount of iron to ensure the proper functioning of the body. [2]

Maqui berries contain a significant amount of dietary fiber, which is considered a prebiotic. Fiber also increases the feeling of satiety after a meal, prevents constipation and acts as a , “broom” that reduces cholesterol absorption. [3]

Maqui berries – nutritional value

Powdered maqui berries contain about 410 kcal. They are also characterized by a high content of carbohydrates and including dietary fiber, which can account for more than 40 grams. The berries contain a small amount of fat and about 10 grams of protein per 100 grams of product.

How can maqui berries be used?

Maqui berries are used in the form of fresh and dried fruits, juice and powder. We can eat the dried fruit as an addition to oatmeal and a post-workout snack. We can add the juice to water to improve its taste. However, this is not the only use. We can use maqui powder in smoothies, shakes, ice cream, pudding and desserts. And this is not the only use of this super fruit!

Recipe for a summer smoothie

Ingredients:

• A glass of plant-based beverage (we recommend oat milk),
• 1 scoop of bio maqui Hempking,
• 2 small bananas,
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter,

Method of preparation:

1. Put peanut butter, peeled bananas and bio maqui into a blender.
2. Pour the vegetable beverage over the ingredients.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. We can add chia seeds to the smoothie, which will be solid elements, adding further nutritional and taste value!

Fit cheesecakes with berries

Ingredients for the underside:

• 50 grams of almonds,
• 50 grams of walnuts,
• A tablespoon of cocoa,
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey.

Ingredients for the “white” layer:

• 1 cup of Greek yogurt,
• 6 grams of gelatin or agar agar dissolved in 3 tablespoons of water,
• sweetener to taste,
• a teaspoon of vanilla sugar or a few drops of vanilla extract.

Ingredients for the berry layer:

• 1 cup of Greek yogurt,
• 5 measures of bio maqui,
• 100 grams of blueberries,
• sweetener to taste,
• 6 grams of gelatin or agar agar dissolved in 3 tablespoons of water.

Method of preparation:

1. Grind nuts to dust and mix with the rest of the toppings. Layer the bottom in small cake pans or in one large one. Chill in the refrigerator.
2. Then dissolve gelatin in hot water and mix with the rest of the additives to a smooth paste. Make sure that the yogurt is not too cold before mixing with the gelatin (the yogurt can be gently warmed or taken out and left to warm on its own), otherwise lumps may form.
3. Pour the prepared “white” layer over the bottom and put it back in the refrigerator.
4. Dissolve gelatin in hot water and mix with the rest of the ingredients except fresh berries to a smooth paste. Then add the berries and mix gently.
5. Pour the finished berry layer over the solidified “white” layer.
6. Again put it in the refrigerator and leave it to set.

Bibliography

1. Vergara D., Ávila D., Escobar E., Carrasco-Pozo C., Sánchez A., Gotteland M.: The intake of maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) berry extract normalizes H2O2 and IL-6 concentrations in exhaled breath condensate from healthy smokers – an explorative study. 2015, 14: 27. W: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25889552/
2. Schön C., Wacker R., Micka A., Steudle J., Lang S., Bonnländer B.: Bioavailability Study of Maqui Berry Extract in Healthy Subjects. 2018, 10: 1720. W: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267473/
3. Viuda-Martos M., Lucas-Gonzalez R., Ballester-Costa C., Pérez-Álvarez J. A., Muñoz L.A., Fernández-López J.: Evaluation of protective effect of different dietary fibers on polyphenolic profile stability of maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis (Molina) Stuntz) during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. 2018. W: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2018/fo/c7fo01671a