The Future of Maca Root

We’ve discussed maca and its historical and traditional uses in great detail in previous blog posts. By now, you might know that maca has been harvested for human consumption for roughly 2,000 years, and that it’s been used in traditional medicine and appreciated for its many reported benefits. Maca root has long been regularly consumed by inhabitants of the Peruvian Andes where it grows, but recent years have seen a surge in its popularity and increased worldwide demand. Let’s consider some of the ways maca consumption has evolved over the years, and where it might go in the future.

Maca Root: Current Trends

The 1980s and 90s saw a sharp decline in the popularity of maca root. Once very present in regular diets in Peru, maca became known primarily as folk medicine, an all-natural “treatment” for ailments like erectile dysfunction and difficulty conceiving. However, this would change with the rise of organic eating and a surge in the popularity of natural supplements in health food circles.

This is visible in the buzz around “superfoods,” which has increased in the past couple decades. So what exactly are superfoods? Put simply, superfoods are foods that are rich in nutrients and especially beneficial for your health. They’re typically plant-based, but some foods and dairy products have made the list. You might be familiar with the much-lauded superfoods like kale and ginseng. Chia seeds are a popular addition to dishes and smoothies, and the rise of avocado toast is at least partly influenced by the nutritional content of avocado, which includes an assortment of vitamins and healthy fats. Many cafes currently offer matcha lattes, and turmeric and ginger are celebrated for their flavor profiles as well as their nutritional values.

While maca root isn’t as well known as these other foods, it’s nonetheless recognized as a nutritional powerhouse chock-full of valuable nutrients including minerals, vitamins, essential amino acids, and more. While it’s commonly mistakenly referred to as a supplement, maca is as much a superfood as ashwagandha and blueberries. Today, you can find this ancient food available in a variety of formulations ranging from raw maca powders to maca capsules or liquid maca extracts. However you choose to consume your maca, you can be sure you’re enjoying something that modern research has positively linked with a wide variety of health benefits including improvements in sex drive, concentration, and mood.

Maca as a Food

While getting your daily dose of maca can be as easy as popping a couple maca capsules with your breakfast, innovation has resulted in some exciting expanded culinary applications for maca root. Sure, you can just add it to your post-workout smoothie, but why stop there? The sky is the limit! Consider trying out maca coffee, or even baking with maca.

Maca Super Waffles 

Maca Super Waffles: Start your day with a delicious boost! Packed with energizing maca powder, these nutritious waffles offer a tasty way to support vitality, improve focus, and enhance overall wellness. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack option that fuels you throughout the day.

For waffles:

• 1Tbsp oil
• 1 egg
• 1/4 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 heaping Tbsp Maca Team Premium Gelatinized Tri-color Maca powder
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 scoop green powder
• 3/4 cup Buckwheat flour
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• Handful chopped walnuts
• Handful chopped pecans
• Handful pumpkin seeds
• Almond milk to desired consistency For topping:

• Plant-based butter
• Plant-based yogurt
• Blueberries
• Sorghum syrup

Preparation:

Preheat waffle iron and combine ingredients adding nuts after initial mix. Scoop batter onto waffle iron and close lid. Depending on your waffle iron and due to ingredient density you may need two cooking cycles. When finished cooking remove waffle to a pre-heated plate, cover with plant-based butter, top with plant-based yogurt, sprinkle a generous amount of blueberries then drizzle with sorghum syrup. Makes two 6.5" waffles. 

Maca and Sustainability

Over the years, there’s been a marked concern for sustainable and responsible farming practices. You’ve probably noted a demand for “Fair Trade” products. It’s the result of a global movement toward creating more equitable trade relationships between producers and consumers, improving working conditions for farmers and protecting the environment. A Fair Trade label has to be earned - and The Maca Team has earned ours by building relationships with local Peruvian farmers who tend their land responsibly and respectfully. It’s work we’re proud of, and we’re confident you can taste the difference. 

Why Shop The Maca Team?

We want to do our best to support your health-conscious decision. We’ve worked hard to source the highest-quality organic maca root for our customers, direct from our fields in Peru. DON’T hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. You can Contact Us using our web form, or call us toll-free at 888-919-8616.

Enjoy the Day!