Spotlight On - Maca Powder

Grown In The Andes, MACA Is A Peruvian Plant Believed To Contain Many Health-Giving Properties

- Erin Fisher

When there are so many supplements, different powders and ‘superfoods’ doing the rounds, it can be hard to know which ingredients are helpful, which are harmful, and which don’t do anything at all. Maca powder is often found on the ingredients list for smoothies, granolas and raw sweet treats, and is promoted for things like energy, hormonal balance and mental focus. Is it all just hype, or is there something to this ancient plant?

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable from Peru, making it part of the same family as broccoli and cauliflower. Historically, the dried roots have been boiled into porridges, teas, stews and soups. In size and shape, it looks similar to a radish or turnip, coming in a variety of colours such as yellow, black and red – all with similar health benefits and an earthy, slightly nutty taste. Of the different colours, the yellow variety tends to be the most popular due to its sweetness and hint of caramel, whereas black is more bitter.