Maca is a root vegetable that originates in the Andean mountains of Peru. The good news is that it grows in the UK too and is great for container gardening. It has been consumed for thousands of years as a traditional medicine and food, and it is known for its adaptogenic properties that can help to support energy, mood, and hormone balance.

Click here to find out how to grow maca root.

Maca can be used like any other root veg in soups and stews but there are 2 caveats;

1) it loses a little of its nutrirional clout when cooked. To get the most out of it, its best to eat it raw ground into powder to add to everything from smoothies to teas and coffees.

2) even after cooking it can have a tough texture and a slightly bitter taste.

The good news us that making maca powder at home is easy - if time consuming.  Here is our step by step guide to making it:

How to Make Maca Root Powder at Home

1. Dig up you maca plant and diguard the tops. If you really hate waste you can chop out the tough veuns and treat the leaves like spinach but thet are usually too tough by the time your roots are ready.
2. Rinse the maca root under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Dry the maca root: Place it on a clean towel and pat it dry. Then, let it air dry in a cool place for several days until it becomes dry and hard.
4. Grind the maca root: Once the maca root is dry and hard, you can grind it into a powder using a coffee grinder or a food processor. Start with small batches to ensure even grinding.
5. Store the maca powder: Store the maca powder in an airtight container in a cool dry place. It should last for several months.