What is Maca Powder Root and How Do You Use It

Your mother always told you to eat your vegetables. After all, they’re nutritious and delicious. But eating the same old vegetables you grew up with every day can get boring. That’s when you know it’s time to shake things up with something new – like maca powder root.

There are different ways to change up your vegetable routine. You could be bold and try something new, something you never knew existed. Or you could use your veggies in a whole new way. 

A popular way to get an extra dose of veggies into your diet is to use a powdered form. Powders are convenient because they can easily add a surprise super punch of nutrients into your diet. 

One such powder that you may not have heard of is maca powder root. Maca root has been gaining popularity due to its naturally nutty flavor, and its ease of use when in its powdered form. 

So if you’re looking to shake things up with your routine and diet, consider adding maca root powder to your daily regimen. 

What Is Maca Powder?

Maca powder comes from maca root, a cruciferous vegetable also known as Peruvian Ginseng. Vegetables in the cruciferous family, such as kale, cauliflower, and broccoli, are commonly used in a variety of culinary traditions for their unique flavors and versatility.

What makes maca special is just how long it’s been around. The people of the Andes Mountains have been using it for thousands of years as it’s one of only a very few plants that can survive in such harsh conditions and high altitude.¹ 

The root of the maca plant is the part most commonly consumed. It’s gelatinized, which means the starch is broken down, to make it easier for you to digest it. Respectively, making it easier on your tummy for you to consume the root.

Consuming maca root in powdered form makes it much more versatile for cooking in a variety of dishes or mixing into drinks. 

Powders are appealing because they can be used in so many ways. You aren’t stuck eating the same thing day after day.

In fact, the people of the Andes Mountains often use maca to add an earthy flavor to their food. They often cook it into porridge or make a fermented drink.2

The potential is limitless, and you can get creative with how you use the powder as part of your daily routine. If you need a few ideas to get you started on your maca powder journey, here are some recipes for inspiration. 

How To Use Maca Powder

There are some great maca powder recipes that you can find online, but when it comes to adding a powder to your daily routine, the sky’s the limit. 

You can do just about anything to get some maca powder root into your diet, and maca powder recipes are easy to make. So have fun and experiment!

One easy way to use maca root is in smoothies. 

(1) Smoothies with Maca Powder

A smoothie with maca powder is a delicious drink to enjoy at any time of day. The great thing about smoothies is that you can customize them any way you want. 

Smoothies with maca powder give you a chance to try a bunch of different flavor combinations while still getting the benefits of organic maca powder. 

So, when you get up tomorrow morning, shake up a maca powder smoothie and enjoy it on the way to your work. Check out this recipe for a chocolate banana smoothie with maca to get you started.

(2) Maca Powder in Coffee

You can also put maca powder in coffee and get your morning started right. For many people, that first cup of morning coffee is a ritual that sets them up for the day ahead. 

Add more goodness by using a hand blender to mix in some maca powder. It’s an easy way to start the day with a rich and earthy boost, all without changing up your routine.

(3) Maca Powder in Oatmeal

Drink your maca coffee while enjoying a bowl of oatmeal that also has maca powder. The people of the Andes Mountains traditionally make maca root into a porridge, and you can do the same. Simply mix the powder into your oatmeal and enjoy. 

(4) Use Maca Root Powder for Cooking

Another way to use maca root powder that many people don’t think of is to use it when cooking. If you’re making a dish with a sauce, then it’s easy to incorporate the powder. The earthy taste of maca powder root can even enhance certain dishes. 

It’s definitely something to explore, especially if you’re a foodie who loves to try new flavors.

Maca powder is a simple yet versatile way to add variety to your daily routine. Whether blended into smoothies, stirred into coffee, mixed with oatmeal, or incorporated into your favorite recipes, this ancient root brings a unique flavor and culinary flexibility. Its long history of use in the Andes Mountains speaks to its enduring appeal. 

So, if you're looking for an easy way to shake up your meals with something new, maca powder might be just the ingredient you need. Get creative, experiment with different recipes, and enjoy the earthy goodness of this remarkable root!

Shop Viva Naturals Gelatanized Maca Powder

References:

1. Balick M.J, Lee R. (2002). Altern Ther Health Med. 8(2): 96-8.
2. Wang Y, et al. (2007). Int Food Res J. 40: 783-792.