Superfood of the Month: Maca Root Powder

Maca is considered one of the worlds natural ‘superfoods’. Superfoods are certain foods that are nutritionally dense with extra-large doses of vitamins and minerals that can help us ward off diseases and live a longer, healthier life. They have considerably added health benefits when combined with healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.

Maca is grown high in the mountains of South America, mainly in high altitude regions of Peru. The Maca Root has many benefits including a positive effect on hormone balance, energy levels and an improved immune system, with it actually being high in calcium than milk. It can also help to reduce blood glucose levels, which is good for anyone suffering with heart conditions or diabetes.

With a caramel undertone, this sweet tasting powder will add a tasty nutritional kick to any breakfast.

Refreshing breakfast ideas:

Sprinkle 1tsp onto cereal to add a subtle caramel tone or create a tasty smoothie bowl, here are some of our favourites…

Banana and caramel maca smoothie bowl – serves 1

• 2 bananas
• 1 tsp maca root powder
• Milk/milk alternative
• 2 tbs of oats
• 1tsp honey to sweeten (not required)

Blend everything together until smooth. (The less milk you add the thicker the smoothie but the less you create) Drink as a smoothie or add your favourite toppings to create a more filling breakfast.

• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Granola
• Chia seeds
• Cocoa nibs
• 1 tsp sprinkled cinnamon

Chocolate maca smoothie bowl – serves 1

• 2 bananas
• Milk/milk alternative
• 1tsp maca powder
• 1-2 tbs cocoa powder

Optional toppings for the smoothie bowl include…

• Strawberries
• Rasberries
• Cacoa nibs
• Pistachios
• Granola

Fibre provider smoothie bowl (As found in the restaurant/bar at the Retreat, Borough Green)

• Strawberries
• Pomegranate seeds
• Chia seeds
• Granola
• Coconut flakes
• Drizzled honey

Warm breakfasts – perfect for chilly mornings

Vegan maca pancakes – serves 2

• 1 banana
• ½ cup almond milk
• ¾ cup buckwheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tsp maca powder

Method

Blend banana, milk and vanilla essence until smooth. In a bowl mix the rest of the ingredients and then add the blended banana milk. Whisk until combined.

Heat some coconut oil in a pan and when hot add a scoop of the mixture. Cook for roughly 1 minute on either side.
Serve by itself or add chopped bananas and maple syrup.

Easy maca oat meal – serves 2

• 2 tsp maca powder
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 apple diced
• 1 Banana

Method

Once oatmeal is cooked through stir in the other ingredients except the banana and half of the apple. Add the banana and rest of the apple on top and drizzle with honey to sweeten (if required).

Written by Emily Reynolds