Maca is one of the most remarkable roots in the plant kingdom: the only food crop able to thrive at an altitude where almost every other crop fails. This classic yellow maca — the traditional variety used by Andean peoples for over 2,000 years — is a plant traditionally regarded as an adaptogen, valued in Andean tradition for supporting energy, endurance and vitality.

Maca’s story goes back to pre-Inca times, over 2,000 years ago, on the high plateaus of central Peru. Early Andean farmers domesticated this root of the Brassicaceae family (the same family as broccoli, cabbage and radish) for its unique ability to grow where no other food plant survives — at over 4,000 metres on the Junín puna, where night temperatures can drop below -10°C, fierce winds sweep the plateau constantly, and UV radiation reaches some of the highest levels on Earth.

Take 3–5g a day (about 1–2 teaspoons) of maca powder, ideally in the morning or early afternoon. It can be mixed into a smoothie with fresh fruit (banana, mango, berries), diluted in fruit juice or plant milk (almond, oat, coconut), stirred into plain yoghurt, stewed fruit or porridge, added to a warm soup or sauce at the end of cooking, blended into pancake, bread or pizza dough (replacing 10–20% of the flour), or sprinkled over muesli, fruit salad or cereal.

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. Yellow maca has a neutral, slightly nutty taste that’s easy to work into recipes. Avoid taking it in the evening, as it may interfere with falling asleep. A 250g pack provides around 50–80 days of use at 3–5g a day.

Pederoso Saldac maca holds a dual certification: organic farming (AB / Eurofeuille) since 2007, and Fair For Life fair trade certification by Ecocert since 2012. The Promaca cooperative in Huancayo buys the harvest from Junín producers at a price 30–50% above the local market rate. A community development fund, financed at €0.60 per kilogram exported, supports health programmes for producers’ families — every purchase directly contributes to improving living conditions in Andean 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 or a hormone-dependent condition, 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.

How should I take maca powder for the first time?

Start with 1g a day (about half a teaspoon) and increase gradually to 3–5g a day over a week. The easiest way is to mix the powder into a smoothie, fruit juice or yoghurt. Yellow maca has a neutral, slightly nutty taste that’s very easy to work into your daily diet. Our team can guide you on dosage and the best combinations.

Is maca powder a stimulant like coffee?

No, maca is not a stimulant in the classic sense. Unlike caffeine, which acts directly on the central nervous system with a sharp energy spike followed by a dip, maca is traditionally used as an adaptogen that supports the body’s own natural balance. Its effect on energy is gradual and does not cause excitation, jitters or sleep disturbance, provided it’s taken in the morning or early afternoon.

Where can I buy organic Maca powder in Paris?

Saldac’s Organic Maca Powder Pederoso (250g) is available at Herba Barona, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. Our shop also carries all three maca varieties (yellow, red, black) as well as the economical 1kg format for regular users, with personalised advice and Click & Collect or Paris delivery.

Is Saldac maca genuinely organic and fair trade?

Yes. Pederoso Saldac maca holds a dual certification: organic farming (AB/Eurofeuille) since 2007 and Fair For Life fair trade certification by Ecocert since 2012. The Promaca cooperative pays producers 30–50% above local market prices, and a community development fund supports health programmes for producer families in the Junín region.

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.