What superfruit has the highest ORAC value? According to research, maqui berries have a higher ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value when compared to açai berries. ORAC is a measurement of a food’s antioxidant capacity, and a higher ORAC value indicates a higher concentration of antioxidants in the food.
A study published in the Journal of Functional Foods in 2013 found that maqui berries had an ORAC value of about 2,827 µmol TE/100 g, which is higher than that of açcai berries, which had an ORAC value of around 1,983 µmol TE/100 g.
Another study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2010 found that maqui berries had an ORAC value of about 3,800 µmol TE/100 g, which is higher than that of açai berries, which had an ORAC value of around 2,700 µmol TE/100 g.
It’s important to note that the ORAC value of a food can vary depending on the growing conditions, the time of harvest, and the processing method. There’s a point during the maturation or ripening of a fruit where the anthocyanin content of a fruit is at its highest concentration. That’s the right moment for harvest. Unfortunately, this is a practice often overlooked. Most ingredient companies will never expect to get a question about harvest timing but you should reach out and ask.