The maca root vegetable is comparative to turnips or radishes and has been grown at 4000 metres above sea level in the Andes mountains for thousands of years. Lauded for its energising and revitalising qualities, maca powder offers a decadent dose of essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids within its superfine form. This nifty powder also contains four times the fiber of a potato and offers boosted energy – similar to the way a cup of coffee can perk you up – along with increased endurance and mental balance.

This cheeky antioxidant is also revered for its aphrodisiac qualities, reducing stress and heightening sexual libido thanks to unique alkaloids that help stimulate the master glands that in turn optimise and balance the entire endocrine system. This hormonal aid means it’s also helpful in aiding skin health, whether from the inside out, or by mixing the powder into a face mask.

Maca powder retains all of its excellent enzymes and nutrients when bought in its raw form, and therefore shouldn’t be heated. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, gelantised maca is an alternate option, which is more concentrated, but the high heat used to create its form destroys some of the enzymes and nutrients.

This body-nourishing ingredient has a malty flavour, which may take a little adjusting to. But like all things, moderation is key with maca. When you first start adding it to your daily diet, you should commence with small amounts like half a teaspoon and work your way up – an average daily dose would be one tablespoon. You can add a scoop of maca powder to any recipe that you’re adding cacao, lucuma or camu camu powder to already. We like adding a heaped teaspoon of both maca and cacao powders to a smoothie made with one cup of Coco Quench coconut rice milk, one large banana, one tablespoon of peanut butter and a handful of ice cubes.

Chocolate fiends may like to whip up this coconut chocolate ganache or these maca root truffles, while raw baking enthusiasts can opt for these superfood energy bites and these almond cacao cookies with salted maca caramel. You can also add the powder to smoothies, juices and ice-cream.