This is one of those berries that is comparable to açai and should be considered as an alternative if you can find it in your local organic grocery shop. Maqui berries are the fruit of an evergreen shrub growing throughout the pristine Patagonian mountain region of southern Chile.

The berries have been both a staple food and part of rituals and ceremonies for the Mapuche Indians—one of the longest-living cultures in the world. The maqui berry was also considered a sacred plant symbolizing goodwill by Mapuche communities.

The purple Chilean maqui berry is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods. It contains an abundance of vitamin C, calcium, iron and potassium, anti-aging anthocyanins and polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory compounds.