Maca grows between 3,800 and 4,500 metres altitude in extreme conditions (cold, wind, intense UV), forcing the plant to develop an exceptional concentration of bioactive compounds. Yellow maca (60% of harvest) is the most common, used generally for energy and vitality; red maca (25%) is oriented toward prostate comfort, bone health and female fertility; black maca (15%) concentrates the highest levels of macamides and macaenes, lipid compounds unique to the Lepidium genus, and is the reference variety for cognitive performance, memory, athletic endurance and male fertility. Preliminary animal studies at Lima’s Universidad Cayetano Heredia found black maca to be the only variety with significant effects on spermatogenesis and spatial memory in that model.

Energy Feelings, a Spanish brand specialising in premium organic superfoods, sources 100% organic black maca (Lepidium meyenii) root, dried and ground without excessive heat treatment, certified Peruvian origin from the Junín region above 4,000m, EU organic certified with no synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilisers or GMOs, low-temperature dried to preserve heat-sensitive macamides, alkaloids and glucosinolates, and tested per batch for heavy metals, pesticide residues and microbial contaminants.

Black maca has a slightly malty, caramelised taste with earthy notes. Mix into smoothies, warm plant milk with honey and cinnamon, porridge, golden milk, or stewed fruit/yoghurt. Start with 1 teaspoon (5g) a day for the first week, then increase gradually to 2 teaspoons (10g) a day, preferably in the morning or at midday as maca is energising. A 1–3 month course is typical, with a week’s break between courses.

Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. People with thyroid disorders should consult a doctor before use, as maca contains glucosinolates. Do not exceed 10g a day. Store cool and dry.

What is the difference between black maca and yellow maca?

Black maca is rarer (15% of harvest vs. 60% for yellow), more concentrated in macamides and alkaloids, with more pronounced traditional associations with memory, cognition and male fertility. Yellow maca is more general-purpose and widely available.

Is black maca an aphrodisiac?

Not in the strict pharmacological sense. It’s an adaptogen traditionally associated with energy, endurance and overall vitality — Peruvian tradition attributes effects on libido and fertility, and some preliminary studies show encouraging results on spermatogenesis.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.