Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable from the high Andes of Peru, where it's grown at altitudes of around 4,000 metres. A relative of the radish and turnip, it has been a traditional food in the region for centuries, eaten cooked, roasted or in porridges and drinks. Dried and milled, it becomes a creamy, beige powder with a lovely malty flavour. Here's what maca is and how to use it.

What does maca taste like?

Malty, nutty and slightly sweet, with notes of butterscotch and caramel. That's why it works so well with chocolate, banana, cinnamon and nut butter.

Raw vs gelatinised maca

Raw maca is simply dried and milled. Gelatinised maca has been cooked and pressure-treated to remove some of the starch, which gives it a milder, toastier taste. Both are used in the same way; check your pack to see which you have.

8 easy ways to use maca powder

Start with a small amount and follow the serving suggestion on your pack.

1. Chocolate banana smoothie: blend with a banana, cacao, peanut butter and milk.
2. Maca latte: whisk into warm milk with cinnamon, vanilla and a little maple syrup.
3. Hot chocolate: stir into your favourite hot chocolate for a malty twist.
4. Porridge: stir into porridge with sliced banana and a drizzle of honey.
5. Overnight oats: mix into oats, milk and yoghurt before chilling.
6. Bliss balls: blitz with dates, oats, cacao and nut butter, then roll and chill.
7. Baking: add to brownies, cookies, flapjacks or banana bread.
8. Pancakes: whisk into pancake batter with cinnamon.

What goes well with maca?

Cacao, banana, dates, cinnamon, vanilla, coffee, peanut butter and oats. Try it with our cacao powder for a chocolate malt flavour.

Tips

• Maca can clump, so whisk it into a splash of liquid first.
• It works in cold, warm and baked recipes; there's no need to cook it separately.
• Keep the pouch sealed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Before you start

Maca is a traditional food, but it isn't recommended in large amounts during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for children. Speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication or have a thyroid condition or any other health condition, and don't exceed the serving suggestion on the pack.

Shop our Organic Maca Powder, or browse more superfoods.