Maca Fudge Bites + Maca Almond Bites [2 Vegan + Sugar Free Recipes]

So what’s the deal with maca powder, anyway?

I first heard about maca powder when I was modeling abroad in Cape Town earlier this year. While at Wellness Warehouse, a favored health chain store in South Africa, looking for some carob powder (yum!), I came across a pack of maca powder and was intrigued by it especially since I’d never heard of it back in Canada. The package read: Maca, an ancient Peruvian superfood, is a powdered root herb grown for centuries at high altitudes in the nutrient dense soil of the Andes. According to legend, Inca warriors ate Maca before going into battle to give them strength and endurance.

Wow! I had to get it now. South Americans produce some of the world’s greatest power foods, all of which I routinely eat, like chia seeds, quinoa, cacao beans, acai and now…maca was another to add to my list.

One of the lovely ladies that worked there suggested that, like spirulina and cacao, you were able to add them to smoothies and snacks for an extra punch of energy. So being the curious health cat that I am, I bought it then rushed home to further research its roots and benefits.

As soon as I got home, I opened the bag and found it had a bitter, nutty and malty smell and taste. Kind of like cacao (?) but way earthier. Too be honest, it made me a little nauseous. 🙁 In my opinion, you need to dilute the taste of maca in order to enjoy and benefit from it! It’s not a edible flavor on its own. 

After an hour of researching, I gathered some astounding nutritional health benefits and facts:

• Maca has gained a reputation for helping balance and manage hormones, especially in women. It helps to relieve menstrual issues like cramps, body pains, anxiety, mood swings, PMS and depression. It does not contain any hormones but rather the nutrients that it contains support  and regulate normal hormone production and due to an abundance of environmental estrogens, most people have hormones that are a bit out of whack.
• Maca is also known for increasing stamina enhancement and energy levels. Very recommended for those with adrenal fatigue as it nourishes and reduces stress hormones.
• Maca is naturally high in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, and magnesium. It provides plenty of vitamin B, C and up to 20 essential fatty acids, fiber, lipids and amino acids. All which your body needs!
• Maca is has also been suggested as “nature’s Viagra” because it’s been shown to be beneficial as a fertility enhancer and helps to improve libido and sexual functions, especially in men!
• Maca is great for general health but it’s highly advised that pregnant women, those with liver issues or high blood pressure and persons with cancer related to hormones like testicular and ovarian, should consult a professional before adding it to the diet. There are no serious side effects, but like any new (natural) supplement, it should not be taken in large amounts.

When you first start using maca, it’s best to begin by taking smaller amounts and building up to an average daily dose. 1/2 a teaspoon was a good place to start for me. I ‘snuck’ it in my garden green smoothie and could barely taste it. Some nights, I’d have it in a warm matcha green tea for an extra boost. After a week or so, I gradually increased my daily amount to 1 tablespoon and anymore than that, just made my smoothies bitter. Like I mentioned earlier, not a fan of the taste but worth it in order to reap the benefits! Maybe I should look into finding maca capsules to avoid the taste? It does taste odd but it gets tolerable…hopefully!

Maca is also enjoyable and easy to incorporate in healthy raw energy goods! And because I care for you, I made two snack options using maca powder so you’re able to choose how you want to enjoy this Peruvian power root. Both recipes are easy to make and don’t require the use of the oven so that you’re able to acquire the full benefits of the maca powder. Of course, I have to mention that these healthy goodies are gluten/wheat free, grain free, sugar free, preservative free and vegan! They’re both filled with rich healthy fats (the good ones!) that will keep you satisfied and energized after just eating a few and you won’t feel the need to overindulge.

Stay healthy, my friends! x

Raw Maca Fudge

1 cup of organic virgin coconut oil, melted

3-4 tbsp of raw cacao or unsweetened carob powder

1 tsp of vanilla bean flavoring or vanilla extract (non alcohol)

1 tsp of raw organic Maca powder

1 tsp of organic chia seeds

Sweetener: packet of stevia or stevia drops (adjust to sweet tooth)

Optional: 1/3 cup of unsweetened desiccated coconut

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Make sure the coconut oil is melted before combining. Line small baking sheet or container with parchment paper and pour mixture into the dish. Add additional cacao or carob powder over the top for sprinkling; this is optional! Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour or until nicely solid. Slice then serve. Store in the fridge until eating and use within 5-7 days.

They kinda remind me of Timbits. Only much healthier of course! 😉 

TIP: Ever wanted to know what to do with your leftover almond pulp after making homemade almond milk? It’s pretty much almond flour except it’s not as finely grounded like almond flour products. But for these balls, you don’t need ’em to be.

No Bake Maca Almond Pulp Balls 

1 cup of homemade almond pulp (or almond meal/flour)

1 tbsp of raw organic Maca powder

1/4 cup of unsweetened carob powder or raw cacao (you can add a tsp or so more if you want it a little more chocolate-y!)

1 tsp of vanilla flavoring or vanilla bean pod extract

2 tsp of homemade unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 tbsp of organic pure almond butter (peanut butter or sunflower seed butter works too)

2 tbsp of organic virgin coconut oil (coconut butter works too or more almond butter!)

1 tbsp of vegan protein powder (hemp or sprouted brown rice)

Stevia packets or stevia drops to sweeten

1/2 cup of shredded coconut and/or hemp hearts for coating

Combine all of the ingredients a large bowl, expect for the shredded coconut and hemp hearts. Mix well. Use your hands to mold into little balls. Cover in coconut and/or hemp hearts. Refrigerate until firm. Pop balls and enjoy!