Having ventured through a South American rainforest years ago, I loved knowing the organic freeze-dried purple maqui berries from Navitas Naturals are hand-picked by native farmers of the Chilean rainforest.
Maqui is the latest powerhouse that has a unique, slightly tart taste with hints of blackberry, blueberry, watermelon, and acai. The powder is ideal for smoothies and other beverages or blended with yogurt, oatmeal, and cereals. Maqui berry powder also adds nutrition, flavor, and color to jam and dessert recipes. A truffle recipe can be found below, and there are additional maqui recipes.
In the ancient culture of the Mapuche, Chile’s native inhabitants, the maqui plant is sacred and symbolizes goodwill. For centuries, maqui leaves and fruits have been used in traditional native herbal medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments. Maqui demonstrates antioxidant and cardioprotective activities in vivo and is said to contain more antioxidants than any other berry. Antioxidants help protect the body from toxins, chemicals, and free radicals that can cause harm and disease. They are also known to combat the effects and ailments associated with aging. In addition, the berries are a great source of vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium and have anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit people affected by arthritis and other inflammation ailments. Maqui may also be beneficial for weight loss programs.
Navitas Naturals Maqui Berry Powder is freeze-dried, raw, kosher, gluten-free, vegan, and 100 percent organic. Navitas Naturals products are available at stores across the U.S. such as Whole Foods, and online at Amazon.com or Navitas Naturals.
Maqui Fudge Truffles
(Recipe from Superfood Cuisine: Cooking with Nature’s Most Amazing Foods, by Julie Morris)
Ingredients
2 tablespoons maqui berry powder
2 tablespoons maca powder
1 tablespoons mesquite powder
6 tablespoons lucuma powder
½ cup cacao powder
¼ cup palm sugar
6 tablespoons coconut oil
¼ cup agave nectar, or maple syrup
Directions
In a medium food processor bowl, mix all the dry ingredients. Add the coconut oil, and agave or maple syrup, and mix again until combined. If mixing by hand, use clean hands to knead the mixture for one more minute. Roll into 1-inch balls and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to solidify. (Makes 18 truffles)
