Black, Red, Yellow: All Colours of Maca Root

Incan warriors carried this humble root into battle. Seniors valued it for longevity. Spanish colonizers demanded 9 tons of it from the native Peruvian people every year. 

That’s Maca (Lepidium meyenii). Not very flashy. Actually, it looks more like a knobby turnip dressed in sunset hues: deep black, early red, or creamy yellow. But we aren’t going to talk about its beauty, let’s unfold its story together — from Andean peaks to a grounding morning smoothie. 

History and Origin of Maca Root

High in the Peruvian Andes — over 4,000 meters above sea level — where the air thins and frost nips even summer mornings, in a landscape where little else survives, maca has thrived for millennia. It’s a survivor. A quiet rebel.

For over two millenia, Andean communities have used maca in their rituals. Inca soldiers took dried maca into battle with them. Before marching, they chewed the root or stirred it into drinks. They believed that it fueled their legendary stamina. 

Elders believed that men who ate maca fathered strong children. Women cherished the herb for balancing cycles. 

The Quechua people called maca “sami”, which means “life force” or “cosmic energy”. Villages celebrated maca’s harvest with offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth). The Inca Empire used the root as a currency. 

Spanish colonizers also noticed the maca’s benefits. They fed the root to their soldiers and horses to maintain energy levels.

Nowadays, people are rediscovering maca’s benefits:

• sustained energy support (without caffeine crash);
• life cycles balance;
• men’s health and stamina;
• nutrient density;
• adaptogenic properties.

Quechua families still farm maca as their ancestors did — by hand, on terraced slopes, singing to the earth as they harvest. Farmers rotate fields every 8—10 years, so the soil stays holy. 

All Colours of Maca Root

Just like gemstones carry unique energies, each hue of this Andean treasure offers its own gift. Let’s explore together.

Yellow Maca: The Gentle Balancer

The root of this hue is the most common, it makes about 60—70% of the harvest. It supports stamina and mental clarity, helps maintain hormonal harmony, and nourishes overall vitality — it’s just like sunshine in root form.

Yellow maca has a buttery taste, it’s slightly sweet and is perfect for smoothies or oatmeal. You can also enjoy it in the form of a Maca Root Tincture.

Red Maca: The Radiant Antioxidant Nourishment

Red maca contains more calcium than cow milk, so it’s no wonder the herb is beneficial for bone health. It’s also rich in antioxidants and helps maintain cellular health in the presence of free radicals. This also promotes radiant, glowing skin.

Red maca has an earthy taste, deeper than yellow maca. Its malty flavor would be great in coffee or herbal teas.

Black Maca: The Focused Dynamo

It’s the rarest kind of all macas — it only makes 5—10% of all crops. The herb is a potent adaptogen; it supports memory and physical stamina. There are also benefits of black maca for men and fertility health.

Black maca tastes almost like coffee. Its robust flavor would make a great addition to cocoa.

How to choose the best color for you? Steady calm or fiery focus? Gentle support or deep fortification? Pick the one that suits you best — yellow for balance, red for nourishment, black for spark. Or blend all three, like many traditional herbalists. Just remember that maca isn’t a quick fix. It’s a conversation with your body. Listen to it and notice subtle shifts to support it in the way it needs.

Maca Root Benefits

Maca for Men

Gentlemen, this is for you. In a world that asks you to be strong all the time, maca offers great support. 

Speaking about benefits, we can’t omit those of black maca for men. According to a systematic review, maca root may support prostate wellness and help maintain sperm quality. Combine it with zinc-rich foods and supplements for extra effect.

The herb is also a great helper in promoting overall vitality and energy balance. It’s not like caffeine’s rollercoaster — maca nourishes your adrenal glands and helps maintain sustained energy. 

Maca for Women’s Health

Sisters, maca sees you — cycles, transitions, all of it. Herbal wisdom doesn’t perceive these as problems to “fix”, but rhythms to honor.

Maca root promotes menstrual comfort and helps maintain hormonal balance during life transitions. According to a 2015 study, the herb may also support women’s sexual life. You might also get some extra floral or berry support, combining maca with chamomile or berberries.

Maca root as an Adaptogen

Maca is a great adaptogen, a plant that helps your body respond to stress. The herb supports cellular health in the presence of free radicals and helps maintain hormonal balance.

According to the data, maca may also support sustained energy and vitality.

Maca doesn’t “push” you — it helps to adapt and feel resilient in a noisy world. Combine it with other herbs that promote sustained energy for extra support.

From Andean Peaks to Your Kitchen Counter

We’ve walked with this root all the way from Peruvian ancient herbalism to modern science. How to weave maca into your days? We have found some delicious recipes that you might enjoy.

Maca Latte

A great alternative to traditional coffee. 

For this delicious drink, pour a cup of milk in a small pot, stir in a tablespoon of maca powder, and add a pinch of cinnamon and vanilla. Have a sweet tooth? Please it with some maple syrup or honey. Heat the spot until warm or slightly hot. 

Tropical Maca and Turmeric Smoothie

Cool down with this radiant drink and embrace all the herbal benefits.

Chop a banana and some pineapple. Stir in a teaspoon of maca powder and a pinch of turmeric powder. Pour two cups of milk and blend with a cup of ice. 

Ginger Maca Tea

Energy and immunity support — enjoy them with every sip.

Brew your favourite tea with ginger. Add maca powder and stir. 

Maca Hot Chocolate

For this delicious chocolate drink, with a little earthy aroma, you’ll need two and a half cups of milk (cow, almond, or coconut), two tablespoons of cocoa, and a tablespoon of maca powder. Some dates and a pinch of cinnamon will add extra aroma for the drink. Blend the ingredients. Heat the mixture until warm or slightly hot.

Cytrus Maca Smoothie

A great drink to begin the day with. And easy to make, too!

Squeeze juice from 1 red grapefruit, 1 orange, and 1 lime. Add 1 table of maca powder and blend. 

However you choose — tincture in your drink or oatmeal, refreshing fruit smoothie, or grounding “maca-latte” — you’re doing more than “taking a supplement”. You’re joining a 2,000-year-old conversation between soil and soul. 

Your strength was always there. Maca simply helps you remember.