How to Tell if Your Maca is High-Quality

Maca root has become a popular superfood, valued for its energy-boosting, hormone-balancing, and overall wellness benefits. But not all maca is quality maca. With so many options on the market, how can you tell if the maca you’re buying is truly high-quality? Here are the key factors to look for when selecting premium maca.

1. Grown in the Right Region

Authentic, high-quality maca is grown in the high Andes, specifically at altitudes above 12,000 feet. The harsh growing conditions - cold temperatures, intense sunlight, and mineral-rich soil - contribute to maca’s potent nutrient profile. In recent years, farmers have attempted to grow maca in other countries such as China and the U.S, but without success.  The roots have not formed properly and the nutritional composition has been seen to be inferior in these cases.  Keep in mind that if your maca is sourced from outside of the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia, it will almost assuredly lack the level of beneficial compounds that you’re looking for.  Simply insist that the maca you consume comes from Peru and specifically the Junin region of Peru.  

2. Certified Organic and Non-GMO

High-quality maca should always be organic and non-GMO. Because maca is a root vegetable, it absorbs nutrients (and potential contaminants) directly from the soil. Organic certification ensures that your maca is free from pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and harmful chemicals. Look for reputable organic certifications such as USDA Organic or EU Organic. Since our maca is from Peru, you can be sure that it was grown under the country’s strict non-GMO policies. 

3. Proper Drying and Processing Methods

The traditional method of sun-drying maca in the high-altitude Andes helps preserve its nutrients and natural potency. More modern drying procedures use low heat dehydrators to dry the roots more quickly.   Keep in mind that some lower-quality maca is quickly dried using very high heat, which degrades essential compounds. Additionally, the best maca is processed with minimal refinement to maintain its full spectrum of nutrients.

4. Gelatinized vs. Raw Maca

Understanding the difference between gelatinized and raw maca is one thing to keep in mind when seeking out the right maca product for you.

• Raw maca is dried and ground into powder without heating, preserving its enzymes and nutrients, but it can be difficult to digest for some people.

• Gelatinized maca undergoes a process that removes starches, making it easier to digest while concentrating its beneficial compounds. High-quality brands offer both options and clearly label the processing method used.

5. Color Variety and Purity

Maca naturally comes in different colors - yellow, red, and black - each with unique benefits. Premium maca should indicate the color type and whether it’s a blend or a single variety. Some lower-quality products may contain fillers or a mix of unknown proportions. If the label doesn’t specify the type of maca, find one that does.

6. Freshness and Packaging

Maca should be fresh and properly packaged to maintain its potency. If your maca smells stale or rancid, it may be old or improperly stored. Look for airtight, opaque packaging that protects against light and moisture, which can degrade its nutrients. That’s why our maca is harvested and processed during the peak of the season, and it comes to you in food-grade packaging that maintains its viability and extends its shelf-life. 

7. Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing

High-quality maca comes from sustainable farming practices that respect both the land and local communities. Ethical brands work directly with Peruvian farmers, ensuring fair wages and traditional farming techniques. Supporting these brands helps protect the integrity of maca cultivation and the environment.

8. Customer Reviews and Brand Reputation

One of the easiest ways to assess maca quality is by checking customer reviews and researching the brand. Reputable companies will have positive feedback from real customers and a strong track record in the industry. Beware of overly cheap products or brands with little transparency about their sourcing.

9. Additional Factors to Consider

Besides the core elements of sourcing, processing, and packaging, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind when choosing high-quality maca:

• Taste and texture: Fresh maca is considered something of an acquired taste, with an earthy, slightly nutty flavor. But if it tastes overly bitter or stale, it may be low-quality or past its prime.

• Product format: Maca is typically available in powders, capsules, and liquid extracts. The Maca Team also offers a maca coffee substitute, The Morning Motivator, as well as maca root chips and Maca Blue, a maca-spirulina blend. While all forms can be beneficial, maca powders often provide the most unprocessed version, ensuring you receive the full nutrient profile.

• Price and value: High-quality maca is not the cheapest option on the market. Be cautious of products that are significantly underpriced, as they may be adulterated or sourced from subpar regions.

Why Choose The Maca Team?

Choosing high-quality maca ensures you get the full range of its powerful benefits. By paying attention to sourcing, processing, freshness, and ethical considerations, you can confidently select a maca product that meets the highest standards. At The Maca Team, we pride ourselves on offering premium, ethically sourced maca to support your health and well-being.

Ready to experience the benefits of high-quality maca? Explore our selection of organic maca products today! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to hear from you. You can Contact Us using our web form, or call us toll-free at 888-919-8616.

Enjoy the Day!