Maca Powder
By: Anonymous

About

Maca Powder is derived from the Maca root and it found in the Peruvian mountains, it is much like Gensing for its energy boosting power.  Considered to be the "superfood of the Andes."

Information
Other names: Maca Root Powder
Translations: Maca pulveris, Maca milteliai, Maca Pulbere, Maca Poeder, Maca पाउडर, Maca Pó, Мак порошковые, Macá مسحوق, 마카 분말, Maca prášek, 玛卡粉, Maca en polvo, Maca Prašek, Maca prášok, Maca, Маца у праху, マカ粉末, Maca en poudre, Maca Pulver, Maca Pulver, Maca en pols, Мак порошкові, Прах Маца


Physical Description
The maca plant produces leaves that grow close to the ground and the plant produces a small, off-white flower typical to the cruciferous family.  The root is used to make a fine powder.
Colors: off-white, cream


Tasting Notes
Flavors: Sweet
Mouthfeel: Full
Food complements: Desserts, Vegetables, Jams
Substitutes: Sugar


Selecting and Buying
Buying: Health food stores, specialty or gourmet stores, or on line.
Procuring: Maca grows at an elevation of 11,000-14,000 feet making it likely the highest altitude food-herb crop in the world. The character and properties of maca have been developed by the extreme conditions under which it grows. 


Preparation and Use
It can be used to draw fats and oils together with starches and sugars in a beverage, dessert or recipe.  Additionally, maca may be added to homemade jams, broths, puddings and fresh juices.  Maca is a great addition to desserts and sweet treats. 


Conserving and Storing
Store in cool, dry kitchen cabinet or closet away from heat in a glass container with a tightly fitted lid.


Social/Political
For many indigenous inhabitants of the Andes, Maca is still one of the most vital and valuable of all commodities. 
History: Maca has been a traditional staple food in the cold climates of the high Andes in Peru for thousands of years.  It is a distant relative of the common radish.

Comments:
Kielannais

Maca contains almost 60 phytonutrients. These range from Vitamins B1, B2, and C, to more complex compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, and glucosinates, which are the compounds responsible for maca’s formidable reputation as a fertility food. Alkaloids are substances responsible for stimulating the brain’s hormone regulators, which control the way the body metabolizes certain minerals. Tannins are a critical component that have anti-inflammatory properties, and are useful in controlling bowel movements. Maca also contains significant amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and over 20 types of essential fatty acids crucial to our body’s growth and development. It is also rich in calcium, bismuth, potassium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, silicon, and iron.
Kielannais

Maca contains almost 60 phytonutrients. These range from Vitamins B1, B2, and C, to more complex compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, and glucosinates, which are the compounds responsible for maca’s formidable reputation as a fertility food. Alkaloids are substances responsible for stimulating the brain’s hormone regulators, which control the way the body metabolizes certain minerals. Tannins are a critical component that have anti-inflammatory properties, and are useful in controlling bowel movements. Maca also contains significant amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and over 20 types of essential fatty acids crucial to our body’s growth and development. It is also rich in calcium, bismuth, potassium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, silicon, and iron.