What Are Whole Maca Root Chips?

If you’ve ever wondered what maca root looks like in its most natural, unprocessed form, you're not alone. At The Maca Team, we sometimes get questions from customers eager to buy whole maca root straight from the source. But did you know it's actually illegal to export whole maca roots from Peru? That’s right - Peruvian law protects this sacred crop due to its cultural significance and value.

So, while you won’t find whole maca roots legally available outside of Peru, there is a close and convenient alternative: Whole Maca Root Chips.

The Closest You Can Get to Whole Maca Root

Maca root chips are simply sliced and dried pieces of maca root, harvested and processed in Peru using traditional methods. Our chips are made from 100% organic, Peruvian-grown maca, and they come in a variety of colors including yellow, red, and black, each offering slightly different health benefits.

These dried root chips are the closest legal and authentic form of whole maca you can purchase outside of Peru. Unlike maca powder, which is ground for convenience and absorption, the chips allow you to experience maca in a more traditional, whole-food form. They’re perfect for slow cooking, making teas, decoctions, or traditional Peruvian dishes like Mazamorra de Maca.

Why Choose Organic Peruvian Maca?

When it comes to maca, origin and quality matter. True maca only grows in the high Andes of Peru, at elevations over 12,000 feet. This extreme environment is what gives maca its remarkable adaptogenic properties. Unfortunately, some maca products on the global market are grown in places like China, where growing conditions differ significantly - and as a result, so does the quality.

At The Maca Team, we source only certified organic maca from small family farms in Peru. These farmers follow time-honored practices, such as crop rotation and natural fertilization, to ensure that each harvest is nutrient-dense and ethically produced. Choosing organic Peruvian maca not only ensures you're getting the most potent product available, but it also supports the local communities that have cultivated maca for generations.

Here’s why organic Peruvian maca chips are a superior choice:

• Purity: No chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs—just pure maca root.
• Potency: High-altitude maca is naturally more concentrated in nutrients.
• Sustainability: Purchasing direct from Peruvian farmers helps preserve traditional farming practices and supports local economies.
  Freshness: Our chips are dried low and slow to preserve their natural enzymes and nutrients.
  
  

How to Use Maca Root Chips

Maca chips can’t be consumed raw like powder or capsules. Instead, they’re meant to be boiled or simmered, releasing their nutrients through heat. Traditionally in Peru, maca root is prepared by decoction, where it’s simmered for 30–60 minutes. The resulting liquid is rich in flavor and nutrients, and it can be enjoyed as a tea or incorporated into various recipes.

One of our favorite ways to use whole maca chips is in Mazamorra de Maca, a traditional Peruvian porridge. This delicious and hearty dish is easy to prepare and offers a warming way to experience maca root.

Recipe Highlight: Mazamorra de Maca (Maca Root Porridge)

This traditional Peruvian recipe brings the wholesome flavor of maca chips to your table. Here's a simple version you can try using our organic maca root chips:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (130g) Maca chips
• 1 cup (130g) flour
• ¼ cup (32g) sugar (honey or other sweetener)
• 2 cups (250ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• Clove, cinnamon and/or anise to taste
• 4 cups (500 ml) water

Preparation:

Simmer the Maca chips in water along with spices until soft (about 1 hour), adding water if necessary.   Add flour, sugar and milk and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes. Enjoy immediately. Mazamorra may be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Whole maca root chips offer a special way to enjoy maca the way it’s been consumed for centuries in Peru. While it’s not possible to export raw, whole maca roots, our organic chips are the next best thing, bringing you the full flavor, aroma, and nutrient profile of the original root.

Whether you're making tea, creating your own extract, or trying out a recipe like Mazamorra de Maca, our whole maca root chips provide an authentic, nutrient-rich experience.

Why Buy From The Maca Team?

The Maca Team is committed to providing only the best organic Peruvian maca out there, and we believe our hard work will benefit you. Want to know more about our top-quality maca products? 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!