I’ve been playing with Maca powder recipes to find new ways to enjoy this Peruvian superfood. maca root used in maca recipesThe most common Maca powder recipes are smoothies and I admit my morning smoothie usually has maca in it, but lately I’ve been playing with Maca Bircher Muesli and a whole new world has opened. Here is a quick rundown on Maca powder so we can appreciate its health benefits.

Maca powder supports the endocrine system (responsible for hormonal function). It is an adaptogen so helps the body with hormonal balancing and coping with stress. Known for increasing energy, stamina and vitality, the Andean Indians from Peru have traditionally relied upon their native maca root for these benefits.

Thyroid function is also supported by the unique alkaloids in maca powder that stimulate the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.

Maca powder contains vitamins and minerals including iron, potassium and calcium together with plant protein and essential fatty acids.

Bircher Muesli Maca powder RecipesBircher Muesli Maca Powder Recipe

This Maca powder Recipe is for we Maca devotees it has a nice crunch but because of the soaking won’t challenge the teeth.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Organic rolled oats
1 TBS Chia seeds
1 Tsp Maca powder (1TBS for Maca devotees)
1 TBS Coconut flakes or desiccated coconut
1 TBS dried goji berries
1 TBS sunflower seeds
1TBS pumpkin seeds
1 tsp maqui berry powder
1 TBS chopped nuts (almonds, brazil, hazel nuts or your personal choice)
1 TBS chopped dates
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup either: water, coconut water, apple juice or almond milk
To garnish when ready to eat, stir through some natural yoghurt, grated apple/pear or whatever appeals to you. Cacao nibs can also be a great addition.

Method:

Place all dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Add your liquid of choice with the vanilla extract and soak overnight or if you forget to soak overnight 1 hr can be enough.

Maca Recipe Tips:

If you like this maca recipe you can make up a large jar of the dry ingredients and store it so that you only need to place a cup of dry ingredients in a bowl then add the liquid to soak. Also play with the ingredients, substitute Maca for Lucuma or use both!! Try cacao powder and nibs! I usually have a smoothie for breakfast but have found this bircher muesli great for a change or just to break my smoothie routine.

Some people can find maca difficult to tolerate and may experience stomach cramps or nausea, although this is not common. (I’ve taken a tablespoon from the start and had no problems). However if you are new to maca just try 1 tsp at first and build yourself up to a tablespoon.

There are more maca recipes to come but if you have a favourite maca recipe you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you.