Maca coffee is a unique drink made from roasted maca, the root of the Peruvian plant Lepidium meyenii. It is widely consumed in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and other locales, but becoming more widely popular throughout the world as people discover its many health benefits. This article will explain how to make and drink maca coffee, as well as provide background information, relevant data, perspectives from experts, and personal insights.
To make maca coffee, you first need to purchase maca root powder. It can usually be found at health food stores and some specialty stores. Once the powder is home, you can begin the cooking process. Roast the powder over moderate heat on a skillet, stirring constantly to prevent the powder from burning. The powder will begin to darken and become fragrant when it is properly roasted. Once it is a dark chestnut color, remove from the heat and let it cool.
From there, you can mix the roasted powder with other ingredients to make the coffee. Popular combinations include maca powder, cocoa powder, and honey. Alternatively, you can add oats for a vegan option, or cardamom or cinnamon for extra flavor. Mix the ingredients together and add boiling water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes and then enjoy your coffee.
Maca coffee has a variety of health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, B-6, iron, calcium, and zinc. Additionally, studies have shown that it can reduce stress and improve mood, help regulate hormones and reduce inflammation. These benefits are likely due to the plant’s special blend of adaptogens such as glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, essential fatty acids, and protease inhibitors. Maca has also been connected to increased energy, enhanced libido, and improved anxiety and concentration.
Maca coffee is also a great option for those looking to gain more energy without the added caffeine of regular coffee. The energizing properties come from the maca itself, and not from the caffeine, making it a viable alternative to regular coffee for those who are sensitive to its effects. While maca coffee does not contain as much caffeine as regular coffee, it still contains enough for you to feel a boost.
Drinking maca coffee can be a great way to start your day or to take a break during the afternoon. It is a unique, energizing experience that can provide health benefits and aid in concentration. For those looking for a different option to regular coffee, maca coffee is a great choice.
Benefits of Maca Coffee
Maca coffee can provide a variety of health benefits. It is high in vitamins and minerals and can also reduce stress and improve mood. Additionally, studies have connected maca coffee to increased energy, enhanced libido, and improved anxiety and concentration. Maca coffee is also a great option for those looking to gain more energy without the added caffeine of regular coffee.
Differences Between Maca Coffee and Regular Coffee
There are several important differences between maca coffee and regular coffee. The main difference is in the source of the energy and concentration benefits. Maca coffee gets its energizing properties from the maca root, and not from the caffeine, making it a viable alternative to regular coffee for those who are sensitive to its effects. Additionally, maca coffee is said to provide a more sustained energy boost than regular coffee. The caffeine in regular coffee is associated with an energy crash after its effects wear off, but maca coffee does not.
Storing Maca Coffee
Maca coffee is best kept in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or cabinet. It can be stored for up to a year, and can even be frozen in small batches. Once it is opened, it will last up to four weeks if stored properly.
Additional Ingredients
In addition to roasting the maca powder, you can also experiment with different ingredients to create interesting and unique maca coffee flavors. Popular combinations include maca powder, cocoa powder, and honey. Alternatively, you can add oats for a vegan option, or cardamom or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Tips For Enjoying Maca Coffee
When drinking maca coffee, it is important to drink it mindfully. Take time to savor the taste and texture, and notice the effects of the maca, including any energizing properties it may have. Additionally, some people suggest avoiding dairy with maca coffee. Dairy can impair the absorption of some of the active compounds in maca, reducing the drink’s effects.
Using Maca Coffee in Drinks
Maca coffee can also be used to make delicious milkshakes and smoothies. Simply blend maca powder with banana, agave or honey, and your favorite non-dairy milk for a stimulating and energizing drink. For a delicious maca latte, blend maca powder with almond or cashew milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey.
Preparing Large Batch of Maca Coffee
Maca coffee can also be made in larger batches for later use. Simply roast a large batch of maca powder as usual, and then store in an air-tight container. To make the coffee, simply mix equal parts of the roasted powder with other ingredients, such as cocoa powder, honey, oats, cardamom, or cinnamon. Then, add hot water and stir.
