What Do Maca Colors Mean?

Did you know that maca root grows in different colors? The spectrum of shades maca root grows in has been narrowed down to three distinct colors: red, black, and yellow maca root. While traditionally maca root would have been consumed as a tri-color or “heritage blend” with no separation between the different roots, today you can easily buy individual-colored maca root products. But why are maca roots sometimes separated by color, and what unique benefits does each one possess?

The Three Colors of Maca Root

Maca root is a cruciferous vegetable of the family Brassicaceae indigenous to the Andes, where it grows and thrives at extreme altitudes under some of the most intense conditions on the planet. Related to plants like mustard and cauliflower, it has a long and storied history of human usage. Today, it’s easy and convenient to purchase any of the three colors of maca root you’d like: red, yellow, or black. Each color is associated with its own reported unique benefits, ranging from giving the libido a boost to improving cognitive function. Black maca root, the least common color making up only about 20% of the annual harvest, is generally linked with more “masculine” goals like putting on muscle mass; conversely, red maca root is affiliated with “feminine” attributes like fertility and building curves. But there’s no right or wrong maca root! Let’s take a closer look at the different maca root colors and what they could mean for you. 

Yellow Maca Root

Yellow maca roots are the most common color, making up about 60% of today’s annual maca harvest. But they’re anything but “common.” Like black and red maca, yellow maca root is a nutritional powerhouse packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. It’s been linked with benefits like overall vitality, skin health, and stress reduction. 

Red Maca Root

Red maca root is the second most common color of maca root, accounting for about 25% of yearly harvests. It’s most commonly associated with more “feminine” attributes like fertility and menopause relief. Research has shown that red maca is generally the best maca to work into your diet in order to improve female fertility and libido, and that it can contribute to overall hormone balance. And it’s been said to have a positive effect on the consumer’s mood. It’s even believed to help women become more curvaceous.

Black Maca Root

Finally, we come to black maca root, the rarest of the maca root colors making for only 15-20% of the yearly maca harvest. Despite (or perhaps because of) its rarity, it’s one of our bestselling products. Whereas red maca root is considered “women’s” maca, black maca root is assigned more “masculine” qualities. It’s said to support muscle-building, male libido, stamina, and strength.

Tricolor Maca Root

The benefits associated with heritage blend maca represent a spectrum of those you might expect from each color individually. Hormone health is key, with research indicating that consuming maca root consistently over an extended period can minimize the severity of menopausal symptoms in women.

One of maca’s many historically attributed benefits is its impact on the body’s energy reserves. Though maca isn’t a stimulant like caffeine, it nonetheless has been demonstrated to have an energizing effect, which is what made it popular among Inca warriors – and why it’s still popular with endurance athletes today, like mountain biker Robert McCuen.

Why Buy From The Maca Team?

All of our organic maca products are certified Fair Trade, GMO-free, and vegan. If you have any questions about our maca, we’d love to hear them! Don’t hesitate to Contact Us using our web form, or call us toll-free at (888) 919-8616.

Enjoy the day!