Maca has its origin in Peru and is used as traditional food and as medical plant. The maca root has a characteristic knobbly-like appearance and can have different colours from black-violet over white to yellow and red. However, the yellow maca root has so far been recognized as the most popular one, because it has not only an impressive variety of valuable ingredients but also a pleasant sweet taste. The taste of the maca root is sweet, caramel-like with a spicy vegetable flavor, which can be compared with the taste of lentils with some mustard.
Maca contains 13-16% proteins and a very high proportion of essential amino acids as well as omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, maca is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron and micronutrients such as zinc, iodine, copper and manganese; furthermore it contains B vitamins, folic acid and niacin. Also, secondary plant substances such as flavonoids and vitamins, which are said to have an antioxidant effect, are contained in maca.
At retail, maca is often available as powder or capsules. You can also find it in capsule, liquid or extract form. Please pay attention to the manufacturers’ information on these products in order not to eat any hidden maca.
