Maca root powder has a distinct flavor that’s been described as malty or having a hint of caramel. It has also been called nutty and tasting of butterscotch. That makes this superfood a fantastic addition to all kinds of maca smoothies. If you’re a fan of this South American root, you’ll love this selection of luscious maca drink recipes.
Though maca powder isn’t exactly sweet, there’s something about its flavor that makes it compatible with sweet beverages like smoothies. It’s also great in unbaked cookies, bars, and cereals.
Here are the maca smoothie recipes you can link to in this roundup:
- Mocha Maca Banana Smoothie
- Orange, Pineapple & Banana Maca Smoothie
- Vanilla Strawberry-Banana Maca Smoothie
- Cinnamon Maca Date Smoothie
- Kale, Banana & Avocado Maca Smoothie
First, before we get to the smoothies, a few basics …
Maca root basics
Maca root, a vegetable tuber, has been grown in the mountains of Peru and Bolivia for millennia. Its benefits have long been valued by indigenous cultures in these countries. More recently, the use of maca root powder as a superfood has spread worldwide.
Maca root’s benefits are legendary, but they’re also anecdotal. It’s valued for its energy-boosting and adaptogenic qualities.
What is quantifiable how is rich maca is in major vitamins and minerals. Find out lots more about in this site’s Guide to Maca Root.
Tips for great maca root smoothies
What variety to use: In any of these smoothie recipes, the choice of what variety of maca to use is yours — yellow, red, or black; gelatinized or not — however, the yellow (sometimes called blond) variety — and actually the most common — is recommended due to its more neutral aspect.
How much to use? Where there’s a range of how much maca is used (for example, 3 to 4 tablespoons; 1 to 3 teaspoons), that’s to suit your personal taste and how much maca feels good to you.
How many smoothies do these recipes make? The recipes presented are each designed to make 2 to 3 servings. The recommended amount in them is 2 to 4 teaspoons of maca root powder in total. If you’re in the groove with maca, you can use a little more, but if you’re just getting started with maca root, use 2 teaspoons and work up from there.
Mocha Maca Banana Smoothie: Give your maca powder beverage an extra kick with subtle coffee and chocolate flavors. Mocha maca banana smoothie is as luscious as a milkshake. You’ll need frozen bananas for this maca powder smoothie recipe, so plan ahead!
Orange, Pineapple & Banana Maca Smoothie: Banana, pineapple, and orange is a classic fruit trio for colder months. Rich in vitamins and minerals, their flavors are sublimely companionable. In this fruity banana maca smoothie, the maca root powder adds a nice boost of flavor and nutrients.
Strawberry-Banana Maca Smoothie: The caramel-like flavor of maca root powder blends well with banana, strawberry, and vanilla. This banana strawberry maca smoothie is a refreshing drink that’s as luscious as a milkshake.
Cinnamon Maca Date Smoothie: This cinnamon-spiced maca date smoothie tastes like dessert! Dates are a natural way to sweeten smoothies, and they enhance the caramel-y, butterscotch-like flavor of maca root powder.
Kale, Banana & Avocado Maca Smoothie: Leafy greens and banana are perfect partners for maca root powder in this tasty green smoothie. If using kale or collards, you’ll need to use a high-speed blender. Spinach will work in a regular blender.
Do you want to do more with maca root?
10 Easy Ways to Use Maca Root in Food and Beverages
Photos in this post: Bigstock photo
Leave a Reply