What is mao berry, where does it come from and why is it awesome?

What is a mao berry fruit?

Much like our article on mangosteen fruit, mao berry is another exotic fruit that we adore and use in our juices. Scientifically known as Antidesma bunius this tropical plant grows mainly in the Southeast Asia region where our Thai farmers turn the plants nourishing and reinvigorating berries into Vie100 Mao Berry Superfruit Drink. These fruits bear a strong resemblance to the infamous Blueberry superfruit in looks, taste, texture and even health value!

How do I eat a mao berry and what does it taste like?

Mao Berry fruits are eaten raw as well as processed further into jams, wines, teas and our Vie100 Mao Berry Superfruit Drink. The taste of Mao berry is an interesting one. Mao berry is refreshing and naturally rejuvenating with cherry like sweet-sour undertones. It’s bright, tart and sweet flavours, are reminiscent of other currents such as blackcurrants and mulberries. Mao berry fruits are naturally a little bitter so we add just a pinch of sugar to sweeten the flavours back to a palatable format.

Why haven't I heard of Mao Berry?

Mao berry, until recently, has only been consumed with indigenous local knowledge across South East Asia, ranging from the Philippines to Thailand and on to Malaysia and other similar areas. This tucked away treasure is so allusive because of the local terminology used and it's non-commercialised consumption. In Thailand alone it has also been referred to as the Thai Blueberry, Ma mao luang, Ba mao ruesi, Mamao luang, Mamao dong, Mao chang, Maeng mao khwai. National dialects across Asia go even further in diversifying nomenclature.

Wow, that’s a long list right? Try fitting that on a bottle label! At The Vie100 Company, we have chosen to keep our local name close to the product's heritage and community.

Is mao berry good for you and what are the greatest health benefits?

Among its thirst quenching properties, mao Berry has some powerful components. It includes a range of phytochemicals including 18 types of Amino acids, flavonoilds, anthocyanins, procyanidin B1 and procyanidin B2. The constituents of this plant give it potential astringent, antidysenteric, antioxidative, anti-cancer and anti-inflammation properties.

Antioxidant / Antimutagenic

Mao Berry has natural anti-oxidant activity due to the presence of catechins and Anthocyyanin (from red and purple colours) which counteracts free radicals found in the body. The highest levels of antioxidants are found when the berry is perfectly ripe and our farmers take the greatest care to harvest at the right time.

other references:

Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development Reference
Journal of Fruit and Ornamental Plant Research Reference

Skin Rejuvenation

Mao berry is rich in Both Vitamin C and E that are useful for nourishing rejuvenating and general keeping your skin healthy, aiding the release of dead skin cells. The further presence of anti-inflammatory properties aid in the relief of skin ailments.

Antidiabetic

Results suggest published in a study from The Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science from 2016 shows mao berry as a potential 'herbal drug' for diabetes therapy.

Where to buy mao berry juice and what to consider?

Few other mao berry drinks exist on the commercial market but finding one that is fine filtered for quality and carefully blended to dilute the intensity is a must. Our unique ratios maintain the exotic taste and undeniable bite from the first sip to the last.

Our Vie100 Mao Berry Superfruit Drink can be bought in selected stores or online via our shop.