If you are a person who values health and wellness you’ve likely heard about and have perhaps even tried the superfood known as maca root. The most common form of maca root available outside of Peru is powder. Maca powder is easy to mix into smoothies or other drinks and to use in a variety of recipes. For recipes that use heat, gelatinized maca powder (which has been pre-cooked) is the best choice. That brings us to the question of this article: what about shelf life? Does gelatinized maca powder expire? In this article we’ll delve into the facts to help you understand how to get the most out of adding this potent superfood to your life.
Maca root is a cruciferous vegetable native to the high Andes mountain range of Peru. It grows successfully at very high elevations and has been used for centuries as a staple food and natural medicine by natives of the area. Traditionally, maca root is eaten whole after being baked or boiled, but most maca roots are ground into a powder for easier storage, transport and preparation. Gelatinized maca powder has undergone a process whereby heat and pressure are used to remove the starch content of the vegetable. This makes it easier to digest, especially for individuals with sensitive stomachs. Nothing is added during this process and it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike.
From the time maca roots are ground into a powder and gelatinized, the shelf life is generally considered to be 3 years. Shelf life in this case refers to the period of time in which maca will be the most potent and effective. Another way to refer to shelf life is “best by date.” At The Maca Team all of our products are stamped with a best by date that we put at 2 years after production. We do this to encourage our customers to consume the maca they have within that time frame and to replace maca with new batches regularly (rather than by a large supply at once).
Like any food product, gelatinized maca powder will respond differently to different environmental conditions. These are the major factors that influence its potency and longevity:
Yes, gelatinized maca powder does have an expiration date. While it may not spoil like fresh produce, its potency and nutritional value can diminish over time. Generally, gelatinized maca powder can last anywhere from 2 to 3 years from the date of production when stored correctly.
Expired gelatinized maca powder is not necessarily harmful and you can still use it, but it can lose its nutritional value and flavor. Here are few signs that indicate the powder has passed its prime:
To extend the shelf life of your gelatinized maca powder:
If you've had your gelatinized maca powder for over two years or notice any signs of spoilage, consider replacing it to ensure maximum benefits. All products from The Maca Team will have a “best by” date on it. Refer to that as well. Or reach out to us if you have any questions.
In conclusion, gelatinized maca powder does have an expiration date, and its shelf life can be influenced by various factors. To maintain its potency and reap its numerous benefits, store it correctly and use it within a reasonable time frame. By understanding how to preserve your maca powder, you can continue to enjoy its nutritional advantages and enhance your wellness journey.
Find Out Which Maca We Recommend For You...
I shop around a lot for my supplements and health foods, and I have to say you guys at The Maca Team are light years ahead of anyone else selling maca out in the marketplace. Thanks for all you do!
By Jim Price, The Green Marketing Guru
Loving the red maca from themacateam. I can tell the difference from my usual store-bought brands. It really tastes so fresh and sweet compared to others. I really love this product. Thanks for sourcing it for us to enjoy
By Michelle Gebbia
I LOVE Maca Team Maca...this was my first purchase with the Maca Team and I have no need to try any other Maca-producer. The Maca tastes fresh and flavorful, the Kilo bag is a great price, and I feel so much more at ease (Maca is such powerful medicine :) )
By Lizzie Thompson
I take 24 products from five to six times a week to increase my well-being and sensual and sexual delights. ;D The Maca Team’s organic maca is one of them—nine grams in my smoothie, Monday to Saturday. The Maca Team is a small business run by a family who cares about its customers, its Peruvian maca growers, and the environment. It's vital to know the source of everything we put in our mouths. Physical and mental health are precious treasures. :D
By Jerry Montero
By Milt Thompson
This product is amazing! I have used other cheaper brands of white maca with fairly good results, but after trying the Maca Team maca, I noticed within two weeks all of my menopausal symptoms had completely vanished. Others described a bad taste and smell, but I have tried the black and the red and find them both to be mild tasting. I use a tablespoon in my daily smoothly
By Joy
Maca first came to us by our vitamin supplier. Then we ordered from the Maca Team. Comparison? Think fire-fly, then think mid-day sun. At 76 and 73 years respectively, that is a big deal; and at comparable cost too. We never have we had such speedy delivery and the packaging is the strongest, most protective we've seen, ever, at all ... anywhere. Further, the Mrs. no longer takes hormone supplements. And Mr. scans the morning want ads for steady P/T work.
By George & Sherri
I had been using another brand of maca powder and decided to try The Maca Team's. The difference in freshness is night and day, and better tasting . I'm 6 foot 250 lbs. and take 4 teaspoons every day w/ my protein shake. Great energy boost and just feel great all day. I can tell a difference when I do not take it. best price that I have found {36oz}. I will be buying more as needed.
By J.D.
I've tried various maca brands over the last 20 years and The Maca Team brand is very special. There is definitely a difference when it comes to the quality and colors of the maca. This red maca does seem to nourish certain parts of my body while the black maca nourishes something else. I know I've been missing the nutrition these maca provide. I'm 75 years old and bodies wear out, but I'm finding I'm regaining a functioning body. How wonderful is this?!?!!!
By Janis Ihrig
I just wanted to thank you for your excellently constructed website. I am a physician and I recently started learning about Maca. I get a very good sense of it, and I expect I will try it out myself and possibly be recommending it to patients in the future. If so, your website will be the first place to send people. Thanks again.
By Adam Holt
Love the Maca team, In an earlier comment I said I was on the fence about where to buy Maca .Not anymore .You shouldn’t be either. The team has answered any questions I’ve had promptly. I feel like I’m dealing with friends, not some company far away out for my money only. The Maca is fresh, prices are good, the people are nice. If you’re on the fence, don’t be, you won’t be sorry.
By Bob
My Maca came in today and it has all the information on it! I must say this is the best tasting Maca I have tried!! Thank you again for a great product!! I will only order from you in future as well!
By Stormi Evans
First I would like to say I love this product. I was very skeptical about a natural product with so many benefits but this stuff really works. Second, I love this company. From the web site to the way they run their company this a top-notch team. I will be ordering from The Maca Team from now on. Great job guys keep doing what you are doing.
By Darren Rivers Sr.
We love this product. I own a store and work with clients holistically. We have recommended maca for years however, this is the highest quality product we have ever carried. I am proud to offer it in my store.
By Mellissa Gage, Infinity and Beyond
I am really happy that I chose the Maca Team, today you can find many distributors selling Maca powder, however quality of the powder is impossible to compare. Moreover, the results after 2 weeks I could feel. Before I was taking maca powder and I did not feel any changes. But since I started taking Maca from Maca Team the changes are incredible. So, I did a test.:) I gave the powder to my partner ... and after 2 weeks he was impressed and told me that he has more energy, feeling happy... Thank you The Maca Team!!!!
By Olga
I do want to say that I have done quite a bit of research on different companies that offer Maca and The Maca Team definitely is the most reputable. Thank you again for your kindness and professionalism :)
By T.C.
Read All Reviews