Maca
Product Description
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an ancient tuber cultivated for over 2,000 years in the Andean highlands, above 3,800 m.a.s.l. in harsh agro-climatic conditions. Traditionally valued for energy, fertility, and hormonal support, maca is today one of Peru’s most recognized superfoods. At Villa Andina we offer yellow, red, black, and tricolour maca, available in raw powder and gelatinised (precooked) powder form to meet diverse industrial applications.
Origin
Sourced from the central highlands of Peru, primarily the regions of Junín and Huancavelica, where traditional cultivation techniques ensure crop resilience and quality.
Why should we consume Villa Andina’s maca?
Maca root has been extensively studied for its bioactive compounds, including macamides, macaenes, alkaloids, and glucosinolates. These compounds are linked to energy metabolism, hormonal modulation, and improved resilience to stress. Maca has applications in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and sports nutrition.
Benefits of Maca
- Energy & endurance: Supports physical stamina and mental focus; widely used in sports nutrition.
- Hormonal balance: Contributes to regulating hormone activity; particularly studied in women during menopause and PMS.
- Reproductive health: Traditionally used to enhance fertility and libido; scientific studies suggest improvements in sexual function.
- Mood & cognition: Bioactive compounds may help reduce oxidative stress in the brain and improve memory and mood.
- Bone health: Rich in calcium, magnesium, and essential minerals that contribute to bone density.
Applications
- Nutraceuticals: Capsules, tablets, and functional blends.
- Beverages: Smoothies, powdered drinks, energy mixes.
- Bakery & confectionery: As a natural fortifier for flours and sweet goods.
- Sports nutrition: Pre-workout and recovery formulations.
- Functional ingredients: Added to cereals, snack bars, and dairy alternatives.
Process Description - Raw Maca Powder
Raw material reception, analysis and storage.
Selection.
Washing.
Coarse grinding.
Dehydration.
Cooling.
Milling.
Packing.
Metal detection.
Boxing
Raw material reception, analysis and storage.
Selection.
Washing.
Coarse grinding.
Dehydration.
Cooling.
Milling.
Packing.
Metal detection.
Boxing
Raw material reception, analysis and storage.
Selection.
Washing.
Coarse grinding.
Dehydration.
Cooling.
Milling.
Packing.
Metal detection.
Boxing
Raw material reception, analysis and storage.
Selection.
Washing.
Coarse grinding.
Dehydration.
Cooling.
Milling.
Packing.
Metal detection.
Boxing
Process Description - Gelatinized Maca Powder
Raw material reception, analysis and storage.
Selection.
Washing.
Coarse grinding.
Extrusion.
Dehydration.
Cooling.
Milling.
Packing.
Metal detection.
Boxing
Raw material reception, analysis and storage.
Selection.
Washing.
Coarse grinding.
Extrusion.
Dehydration.
Cooling.
Milling.
Packing.
Metal detection.
Boxing
Raw material reception, analysis and storage.
Selection.
Washing.
Molino grueso.
Extrusion.
Dehydration.
Cooling.
Milling.
Packing.
Metal detection.
Boxing
Raw material reception, analysis and storage.
Selection.
Washing.
Molino grueso.
Extrusion.
Dehydration.
Cooling.
Milling.
Packing.
Metal detection.
Boxing
