Black maca makes up only around 15% of the total harvest on the Andean high plateaus, grown in extreme climatic conditions that concentrate its active compounds. Its reputation rests on an exceptional concentration of macamides and macaenes — bioactive compounds unique to the Lepidium genus — which make it the most potent ecotype traditionally used for energy, endurance and focus.

Black maca is considered the most concentrated and potent of the three maca ecotypes (yellow, red, black). Its dark grey-black colour, sometimes tinged with purple, reflects its richness in specific phenolic compounds. With only 15% of total production, it’s a rare, prized crop whose availability remains limited each year — Junín growers cannot predict in advance the exact proportion of black maca in their harvest, as the root’s colour depends on partly random genetic and environmental factors.

Take 3–5g a day (about 1–2 teaspoons) of black maca powder, ideally in the morning or early afternoon. Mix into a smoothie, fresh fruit juice or plant milk; stir into yoghurt, stewed fruit or porridge; add to a warm soup or sauce at the end of cooking; or blend into pancake, bread or pizza dough (replacing 10–20% of the flour). Black maca’s taste is more intense and earthy than the other varieties — raw cacao and banana are its best flavour partners.

Start with 1g a day and increase gradually over a week. A course of 1–3 months is recommended, with a one-week break every 4 weeks. A 250g pack provides around 50–80 days of use at 3–5g a day. Avoid taking it in the evening.

Maca cultivation goes back more than 2,000 years on the high plateaus of central Peru. The Incas regarded maca as a sacred food, traditionally reserved for warriors and nobility for its energising properties. 16th-century Spanish chronicles record that conquistadors fed maca to their horses to help them cope with the altitude and cold of the Andean plateaus. Today, maca remains a staple in Junín communities, eaten fresh, dried or as a traditional drink — and black maca, owing to its rarity, retains a particular status within these communities.

Respect the recommended daily dose of 3–5g a day. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light and moisture, and reseal the pack tightly after each use.

Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without prior medical advice. Not recommended for people with thyroid conditions, as maca contains glucosinolates. If undergoing hormonal treatment, consult a healthcare professional before use. Food supplement — does not replace a varied, balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children.

Why is black maca considered the most powerful?

Black maca makes up only 15% of the total maca harvest, making it the rarest variety. It contains the highest concentration of macamides and macaenes, bioactive compounds unique to the Lepidium genus and considered central to maca’s traditional adaptogenic effects. Black maca is also the ecotype most closely associated in traditional use with focus and mental concentration, alongside energy, endurance and male fertility.

What’s the difference between black and red maca?

Black maca is the rarest (15% of the harvest) and the most concentrated in macamides and macaenes, traditionally favoured for energy, endurance, focus and male fertility. Red maca (20–25% of the harvest) is rich in anthocyanins and more closely associated with female hormonal balance and bone support. Both are traditional adaptogens sharing the same basic nutritional profile.

Is black maca suitable for women?

Black maca is traditionally more associated with men’s wellbeing due to its links to energy, endurance and fertility. That said, its adaptogenic properties and traditional use for focus and stress resilience benefit women as well as men. For support specifically geared to female hormonal balance, our team typically recommends red maca, which is rich in anthocyanins.

Where can I find organic Black Maca in Paris?

Saldac’s Organic Black Maca Powder Pederoso (250g) is available at Herba Barona, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. Our shop also stocks red and yellow maca powder, with personalised advice to help you choose. As black maca is the rarest variety, we recommend checking availability before your visit or ordering online for Paris delivery.

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.