Maca is a root vegetable that is cultivated in Peru, where it grows at high altitudes in the Andes. I can be yellow, red or black in colour and has a slightly sweet flavor. Maca is considered to be a Superfood because of its high nutritional profile. It is high in fiber, protein and minerals. It is best known for its ability to balance hormones, which makes it a great choice for PMS or fertility problems in women, and for increasing sperm production in men. It can also help balance blood sugars, and help the body cope with stress.
I’ve created some recipes to help you find tasty ways to add maca into your day. In addition to these recipes adding 1 teaspoon of maca to a smoothie is easy to do.
BASIC HOT MACA DRINK
Ingredients
1 cup almond or coconut milk (carrageenan-free)
1 tsp maca powder
¼ tsp vanilla powder
1-2 tsp honey (optional)
Directions
Heat the milk over medium heat in a saucepan. Whisk in the maca and vanilla powders, and heat until foam starts to appear. Pour into a cup and add honey.
HOT MACAO
This drink is a great coffee replacement, or is good for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
1 cup water
2 tsp raw cacao powder
1 tsp maca powder
1/8tsp vanilla powder
1-2 tsp honey (optional)
almond or coconut milk to taste
Directions
Put cacao, maca and vanilla powders into a mug. Boil water and pour over the mixture, mixing well. Add honey and nut or coconut milk if desired.
MACA CHAI
I love a huge cup of hot milky chai, so was excited to be able to create a maca version. The quantities here reflect my love, so feel free to cut the recipe in half. Heating the spices in the milk helps bring out their flavors.
Ingredients
2 cups almond or coconut milk
2 tsp maca powder
¼ tsp Sri Lankan or Cassia cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cardamom
¼ tsp ground cloves
2-4 tsp honey
Directions
Use a blender or hand-held blender to mix the spices and maca into the milk. Heat in a saucepan over medium heat until frothy. Add honey to taste.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THESE AS MUCH AS I DO. IF YOU PLAN TO DRINK THEM DAILY, THEN MAKE BULK QUANTITIES AND STORE THE MIXTURE IN A GLASS JAR
For this bulk batch of the Hot Macao I used:
2 cups of cacao
1 cup of maca
3 tbsp of vanilla powder
Once it’s mixed, you can scoop out a heaping spoonful to add to boiling water. The benefit of bulk is that you can adjust to your own taste easily and it’s convenient!
These recipes are easy and tasty, so add some maca to your shopping list today.
How else have you tried maca? What has been your experience with maca?
Happy, Healthy Drinking!
Tracey