Maqui

Aristotelia chilensis — Elaeocarpaceae

Italiano: Maqui

Description

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family and is native to SouthAmerica. It thrives in Central Chilean forests, matorral environments across regions including SouthAmerica. Botanically, Maqui is fast-growing Chilean tree producing abundant small dark purple berries with exceptional antioxidant content.. The edible parts include Fruits. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during December, February and January. Nutritionally, Maqui stands out for its Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV), Vitamin C (20.0mg, 22% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Maqui offers a Sweet-tart, blackcurrant-wine-like flavor profile. Pick ripe dark purple berries; eat raw or dry. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Juice, Powder, Wine, Jams. Popular preparations include Dry berries for antioxidant powder; eat fresh by the handful. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: None significant; widely consumed. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Central Chilean forests, matorral across SouthAmerica.

🍳 Recipe: Dry berries for antioxidant powder; eat fresh by the handful

Preparation method: Pick ripe dark purple berries; eat raw or dry
Flavor profile: Sweet-tart, blackcurrant-wine-like
Edible parts: Fruits

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Dec, Jan, Feb.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

8/10
Toxicity: None significant; widely consumed
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits
Preparation: Pick ripe dark purple berries; eat raw or dry
Flavor: Sweet-tart, blackcurrant-wine-like

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 20.0mg (22%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 30.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Fresh eating, Juice, Powder, Wine, Jams Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Dry berries for antioxidant powder; eat fresh by the handful

Where It Grows

Continent: SouthAmerica
Regions: SouthAmerica
Habitat: Central Chilean forests, matorral
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References