Botany and History of Aristotelia Chilensis

Aristotelia Chilensis (Maqui Berry)

Aristotelia Chilensis, commonly referred to as the “Maqui Berry” is a part of the elaeocarpaceae family. These plants are native to the temperate rain forests found in Southern Chile as well as part of neighboring Argentina. The plant is both medicinal and edible. The tree stands up to 5 meters in height, but generally appears as a bush or shrub.

Clasification of Aristotelia Chilensis

Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta -Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Dilleniidae
Order: Malvales
Family: Elaeocarpaceae – Elaeocarpus family
Genus: Aristotelia L’Hér.
Species: Aristotelia chilensis

Habitat

The plant can be found at all altitudes.
It generally grows near streams or in valleys. It thrives in humid environments.
Full sun exposure if prefered
Does not respond well to snow (occasional frost is tolerable)

Traditional Uses for Maqui Berries

Consumption

The seeds (berries) have been used for generations to brew wine and chicha (and alcoholic beverage common in Chile). Chicha is a light fermented drink (similar to a cider). Fermentation occurs in large open vats, similar to how beer is produced. When using Maqui Berries, the Chicha is dark in color (similar to the berries). Production of Chicha is how Maqui Berries received the name “Wine Berries”. Chicha produced with Maqui Berries generally has between 1-3% achohol content.

The berries can also be consumed raw. Many Chilean children grow up picking the berries off of the bushes along rivers and streams. The berries are bitter, but tasty and leave a dark purple coloration to the mouth (and hands). It is not difficult to catch a chilean child “purple handed”.