Gelatinized Black Maca Overview

Gelatinized Black Maca Further Info

Our organic gelatinized black maca powder, capsules, and chips products are made from 100% black maca roots.  After these roots are harvested, they are dried in the mountain sun for 10-40 days and then stored until they are ready for processing.  At the time of processing, maca roots are “gelatinized” before being ground into a powder.   Gelatinization is a process in which maca is heated to high temperatures (160F / 70C). The heat causes the starch molecules in maca irreversibly dissolve. The result is a powder that has had some of its nutrients compromised but is easier to digest than raw maca. It’s important to note that nothing is added to maca during the gelatinization process.

Is Gelatinized Black Maca Better Than Raw?

If you have a sensitive stomach or any other issue with digestion, then gelatinized black maca powder, capsules or chips are the best choice for you.  The reason is simple. While raw maca can cause temporary symptoms like bloating, gas or upset stomach (in about 5% of people), Gelatinized Maca will not do so.  If you are unsure, organic gelatinized black maca products will be a better choice for you.

Our customers report similar benefits from gelatinized and raw maca products.   That’s for two primary reasons.  First, the main nutrients that are compromised in the heating process are vitamin C and enzymes.  While these are important, they are not as critical to maca’s nutrient profile as are its unique amino acids and mineral content.   These remain largely unaltered in the process.  Second, it takes about 4 kg of fresh maca roots to make 1 kg of gelatinized maca powder.  This means that the final product is somewhat denser in nutrients as compared to raw maca.   Again, customers do well with both.  As long as you are using high quality Peruvian grown maca consistently and at optimal serving levels you will achieve positive results.

The advantages of using organic gelatinized black maca are:

• Easier digestion - because the starch is removed
• More concentrated nutrients - the absence of starch means that gram for gram, Gelatinized Maca is more concentrated than Raw Maca

The disadvantage of using gelatinized black maca is:

• Loss of some nutrients including enzymes and Vitamin C due to the heat used in gelatinization

Our  gelatinized black maca root products are:

• Certified Organic
• Non-GMO
• Fair Trade
• Grown traditionally with respect for the land and harvested near Junin, Peru
• Sun dried, carefully processed and packaged immediately
• Vegan
• Made from 100% Black Maca roots
• 4:1 product – 4 KG of fresh roots to make 1 KG of Maca powder

Available In:

Gelatinized black maca root powder (3 sizes)

Taking maca in powder form is a cost-effective way to put maca into your diet.  Our black gelatinized maca is ground into an extremely fine powder form that mixes well in any drink or smoothie with a shaker, blender or whisk.  Gelatinized black maca is a bit darker in color than raw black maca, but the taste is similar.  It has a caramel-like flavor that is relatively mild.  It works well in drinks or other recipes. 

Gelatinized  black maca capsules

Our maca capsules are vegan and, because we directly control their production, contain 100% maca.  We never use fillers, flow-agents or additives of any kind.  Maca capsules are great for anyone who doesn't enjoy the taste of maca and are quicker to take since they require no extra preparation.   

Gelatinized black maca chips

The Peruvian government has made the export of whole maca roots illegal.  That’s in order to preserve the national treasure and heritage product that maca is for Peru.   It is legal to bring in maca chips.  Our Gelatinized black maca chips are simply small chunks of whole maca roots.  They are the closest thing possible to whole food maca available outside of the high Andes.   They can be made into a potent breakfast porridge or added to a variety of other recipes.  

Black Maca in general has some unique properties among all colors of maca roots:

• A 2009 study in Peru found Black Maca to be the best for increasing sperm count and motility as well as for boosting male libido. 
• A study from 2013 reported that Black Maca has a positive effect on spermatogenesis (the formation of sperm cells).
• A Swiss study from 2010 showed Black Maca to excel at protecting bone structure and preventing osteoporosis.
• 2 studies from China in 2006 and 2011 found Black Maca to be superior for increasing memory, concentration and learning skills. 
• A UK study from 2011 found that Black Maca supported the most rapid muscle growth and endurance of all varieties of Maca.  

We recommend black maca for:

• Men wishing to increase their fertility (for women's fertility, we recommend Red Maca)
• Men and women wishing to boost their libido
• Athletes, both men and women, looking for extra stamina and strength
• Anyone looking to improve memory, concentration and focus skills with maca
• All people taking Maca to improve their bone strength and density

Answers to frequently asked questions about gelatinized black maca

Does gelatinized black maca contain gelatin?

This is such a common question and we certainly understand why.   One could easily assume that the process of “gelatinization” somehow involves gelatin.   In fact, it does not.   The process uses only water, heat and pressure to dissolve starch molecules within the product.   You might not know it, but gelatinization of flour is often used in pasta preparations and baked goods. 

Is gelatinized black maca vegan?

Yes, indeed, it is.  Gelatinized black maca is made exclusively from maca roots, which are simply a root vegetable.  During processing it is not exposed to animal derived products.   Also, it does not contain any sort of “gelatin” (see the answer above).  

Is gelatinized black maca as potent as raw black maca?

This is a great question that is difficult to answer with 100% certainty.   What we do know is that the high heat used in the gelatinization process eliminates all vitamin C and all enzymes with the resulting maca product.   Beyond that, initial research has shown that the majority of maca’s other nutrients, and especially the unique nutrients of macaenes and macamides, stay unaltered during the process.  This makes sense to us, because we receive positive feedback from customers using either raw black or gelatinized black maca products.   Typically we recommend that anyone who has trouble digesting starches or has a sensitive digestion in general should go with a gelatinized maca product.  If not, we’d suggest raw maca.   More important for getting great results is to make sure the maca you are taking is consciously grown in Peru, carefully processed, packaged well and as fresh as possible.  

How do you use gelatinized black maca?

If you are using maca in powder form, the easiest way to take it is to simply mix it into water, milk, tea or even coffee.  Many people add it to a smoothie.  And others enjoy making recipes with it.  We have an extensive section with many great maca recipe ideas for you to try .     If you are using maca in capsule form, you simply swallow them with a beverage.  We typically recommend doing so about ½ hour before breakfast.   Our maca chips can be made into a porridge or blended up into a smoothie or other drink.

Can I take too much or too little maca?

Maca serving size is important for maximizing your results.  Typically, we recommend 1-3 teaspoons daily.   You may decide to take a little less as you are starting out and you may also eventually work up to a little more than 3 tsp per day.   People in Peru traditionally consume up to 100 g of fresh maca root daily, so there is little chance of taking too much.  

How long will it take me to feel differences after starting to take gelatinized black maca?

Consistency is another key to success with maca and is typically rewarded with positive results.   Maca is not like a drug or supplement or even an herb.  Instead it’s a food and it simply takes more time to work in the body.   If you are taking the proper amount of maca, you can expect to see initial results within 4-6 weeks of starting.  For some people, results come much sooner than that.  While for others it takes a bit longer.  Keep in mind that maca works with the endocrine system.  Since hormones are affected by various factors and are different between individuals it may take some time for maca to help to balance them.   Our suggestion is to stay patient when you first start taking any maca product. 

Why choose The Maca Team?

We are a small family run company with our entire focus on Maca.  Our only mission is to provide our customers with fresh, organic, high quality Maca products from Peru at fair prices. Our single-minded dedication, allows us to provide the best selection of high quality and fresh harvested Maca products anywhere. We also take pride in our expert and friendly customer service. When you order with us you can count on fast shipping and full support with any issues or questions. The bottom line is that we use the products we sell and we treat our customers how we want to be treated.    Let us know if we can help with anything.

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