What do batteries and Peruvian plant roots have in common?
Answer: They both make things GO!
We all get that feeling sometimes — like we just need to re-charge our batteries and have more energy, but we don’t know how.
As with most things, we can look to our food to provide a source of healthful energy, and one Peruvian plant root in particular may just make you feel like your batteries are finally charged.
I’m talking about maca, an ancient food used by indigenous sheep herders who noticed that when their sheep consumed maca, they were hardier, healthier, and more fertile.
Increased energy levels and a powerful punch of vitamins (specifically C, D, and B vitamins), minerals (like magnesium, zinc, potassium, and copper), amino acids, and fatty acids, are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to maca.
Multiple benefits have been noted from those who’ve made maca part of their diet, including:
- relief from depression and fatigue
- boosted immunity
- increased libido and fertility
- increased bone density
- balanced hormones
- and more!
Consider this adaptogenic superfood as an amazing addition to your lifestyle — one that might be the missing link if you happen to experience low energy levels, depression, compromised immunity, or hormonal imbalances. Read here for more information on maca and other adaptogens for women.
By the time you’re done wiping the drool off your mouth from looking at these 30 maca recipes, believe me, you’re going to want to get your superfood on!
Looking For Maca?
You’ll want to seek out high-quality organic maca that’s as fresh as possible, and packaged to preserve nutritional quality.
At Traditional Cooking School, we’ve investigated maca sources, and we’re really excited about The Maca Team‘s maca because it’s “beyond organic”. Their Peruvian farms (with farmers paid fair wages) follow traditional agricultural methods such as giving the land rest and using natural fertilization methods. This is good for the land and great for the food that’s grown on it.
Also, their maca is fresh! They process and sell small batches from only the current year’s harvest, so you receive it with a few months of it being harvested. (As opposed to larger producers who move it in huge shipping containers, where your maca could be sitting around for 2 years before you actually get it to eat it.)
Finally, their raw maca isn’t heated above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore preserving the enzymes and nutrients. (They have a pre-cooked gelatinized maca for those with a sensitive stomach.) Then it’s packaged in foil-lined double-sealed opaque bags or sealed amber jars to ensure that the maca’s potency isn’t reduced by light, humidity, or oxygen.
The Maca Team‘s maca is simply premium quality, and we can tell by how much better we feel when using this maca than other brands.
Read more about The Maca Team’s maca here. Or, go here to start shopping now.
Maca Gingersnap No-Bake Treats
Be the lady who provides superfood treats for any party or get-together with very little time or effort. It’s possible with these no-bake bites of goodness! via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.
Warming Winter Smoothie with Maca and Raw Chocolate
This smoothie can be prepared warm or cold. Warmed, it’s like thick and creamy superfood hot chocolate. But cold? It’s a winter wonderland of flavor and nutrition. Via organicauthority.com.
Pituitary Relief Green Smoothie
A super-powerful smoothie, packed with all the good things for a great hormone balance — fibers, saturated fats, essential fatty acids, and superfoods. Via theawesomegreen.com.
Cashew Maca-Maca Butter
Combining super-healthfulness with super-creaminess makes this spreadable cashew butter the perfect topping for just about anything! Via keepinitkind.com.
Happy Hormones Hot Chocolate
Keep your hormones happy with this anti-inflammatory hot chocolate that includes turmeric, ginger, and maca, of course! Via homespuncapers.com.
Energy-Boosting Maca Truffles
When afternoon sugar cravings strike, reach for these energy-boosting maca truffles. They’re so cute and portable that you can take them on the road, to the office, or in your lunch. Via mindbodygreen.com.
5 Maca Energy Bars Recipes
Get in all the goodness of maca — the amino acids, the minerals, the adaptogenic super powers — in not one, but FIVE maca energy bars! Via mommypotamus.com.
Maca-Maple Amaranth Porridge
Cooked amaranth and raw maca meet in this porridge that’s almost too beautiful to eat — almost! 😉 Via vidyaliving.com.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s Maca Smoothie
The signature Tiffany blue is made possible by adding maca and blueberries to this refreshing smoothie. Via scratchmommy.com.
Raw Maca Caramel Slice
If maca didn’t already enhance the mood, biting into this chocolate and caramel slice definitely would. Via bareblends.com.au.
Vanilla Maca Latte: Dairy-Free and Caffeine-Free
If one of life’s greatest comforts is a warm mug of something creamy and delicious, then adding maca makes it just about perfect. Via deliciousobsessions.com.
Strawberry Mango Maca Smoothie
The nutty flavory of maca is the perfect complement to the fruitiness of this smoothie! Via thisissogoodhome.com.
Maca Coffee Drink
This Maca Coffee Drink, made with herbal coffee so it’s caffeine-free, is Wardee’s new favorite drink! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.
Maple Maca Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips
If the ingredients of commercially made ice cream are as appalling to you as they are to me, why not go all out and make your own ice cream? And then add maca to it to make it even better! Via mindbodygreen.com.
Maca Chocolate Pots de Creme
This recipe is a delicious and rich chocolate dessert that is not only gluten- and dairy-free … but it can also enhance your fertility and libido. Say what!? The secret ingredient is maca. Via realfoodrn.com.
Tonic Chai Latte
With all the superfoods in this chai latte — including schisandra and maca — the coffee shop’s chai latte doesn’t even begin to compare! Via youngandraw.com.
Maca Superfood Macaroons — Chocolate and Blonde
These no-bake macaroons will have you snacking on maca all day! Via damyhealth.com.
Black & White Maca Mocha
Creamy? Yep. Frothy? Yep. Full of antioxidants and superfood goodness? You betcha! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.
Acai Berry and Banana Mini Cheesecakes
Superfoods like acai berries, walnuts, coconut oil, and maca combine to create adorable and nourishing mini cheesecakes that won’t leave you missing anything. Via thehealthyfamilyandhome.com.
Raw Chocolate Chip Maca Blondies
If eating these blondies means more energy, increased vitality, and a boost to the immune system, where do I sign up?! (This recipe does not call for soaking the nuts, so we recommend that you take that extra step and then proceed with the recipe as written.) Via theorganicdietitian.com.
Golden Milk
Next time you get a craving for something hot and sweet, mix it up with this golden milk that is anti-inflammatory and a boost to the metabolism. Via amynewnostalgia.com.
Maca Berry Bomb
Just a small slice of this elegant dessert is all it takes to satisfy your sweet tooth! Via rachaelsrawfood.com.
Superfood Haute Chocolate
Indulge in this creamy, warming hot chocolate that’s good for your immune system, your metabolism, and your soul. 🙂 Via mynewroots.org.
Energizing Raw Coconut Maca Fudge
No willpower is needed to stay away from this chocolate-y, coconut-y, maca fudge! Via insonnetskitchen.com.
Maca Energy Bars
These grain-free bars are chock-full of nourishment — pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flax, coconut oil, and maca! Via mywholefoodlife.com.
Maca-roons
The answer to “What am I going to snack on today?” just got answered! Via herbalacademyofne.com.
Coconut Berry Bars
If you’re looking for a healthy treat for your family, you’re in luck. These coconut berry bars are easy to make and taste fantastic! Via thecoconutmama.com.
Chocolate Banana Swirl Smoothie with Energizing Maca
This light and frosty smoothie contains two layers of smoothie goodness — a fresh and sweet banana layer, swirled into a rich and creamy chocolate layer, all hinted with nutmeg and nutty maca powder for an energizing boost. Via kblog.lunchboxbunch.com.
Peanut Butter Maca Smoothie
Maca has a nutty flavor anyway, so it pairs perfectly with peanut butter! Via blissfulbasil.com. You may also enjoy this homemade superfood smoothie mix with maca.
Coconut Cashew Maca Granola
Want to know how you make your morning bowl of cereal even better? By adding maca to it! (We recommend you soak and dehydrate nuts and oats before use in granola.) Via edibleperspective.com.
See how easy it is to add this amazing superfood — maca — to your life?!
Do these recipes make you want to get your maca on?
Looking For Maca?
You’ll want to seek out high-quality organic maca that’s as fresh as possible, and packaged to preserve nutritional quality.
At Traditional Cooking School, we’ve investigated maca sources, and we’re really excited about The Maca Team‘s maca because it’s “beyond organic”. Their Peruvian farms (with farmers paid fair wages) follow traditional agricultural methods such as giving the land rest and using natural fertilization methods. This is good for the land and great for the food that’s grown on it.
Also, their maca is fresh! They process and sell small batches from only the current year’s harvest, so you receive it with a few months of it being harvested. (As opposed to larger producers who move it in huge shipping containers, where your maca could be sitting around for 2 years before you actually get it to eat it.)
Finally, their raw maca isn’t heated above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore preserving the enzymes and nutrients. (They have a pre-cooked gelatinized maca for those with a sensitive stomach.) Then it’s packaged in foil-lined double-sealed opaque bags or sealed amber jars to ensure that the maca’s potency isn’t reduced by light, humidity, or oxygen.
The Maca Team‘s maca is simply premium quality, and we can tell by how much better we feel when using this maca than other brands.
Read more about The Maca Team’s maca here. Or, go here to start shopping now.
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Amazing list, Lindsey! I usually just put mine in capsules but these are much yummier ways to get it in
I so wish I could use maca but even gelatanized gives me a stomach ache. Of course I have not tried this brand but…
I like the Golden Milk recipe. Can I also use homemade almond milk instead of homemade coconut milk?
A lot of the links have expired 🙁