Small tubers really big!
Maca, Andean cress or also called Peruvian ginseng.
Due to its origin in the extreme climatic altitudes of the Andes, Maca is very robust and resilient. Maca is cultivated for 1 to 2 years, the growth is similar to that of radishes.
The robust Maca is persistent and hardy.The white flowers appear in the second year.
It has been cultivated at high altitudes in the Andes for over 2000 years. Even then it was valued as a food and medicinal product.
The processing is similar to potatoes or corn. There are now a variety of recipes online.
Maca has onevery high nutritional valueand is very well researched thanks to the great initiative of the Peruvian authorities. The plants contain proteins, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sugar, starch, minerals and many vitamins.
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In addition to being used as food, the Maca tuber is nowadays mainly used as asexual enhancerandaphrodisiactouted. There is a large number of dried powders, whereby the effect of freshly processed tubers is said to be even better and, above all, to taste better.
Both sweet and savory dishes can be prepared from them. The tubers freshly processed result in a polenta-like mush, the whole plants chopped with greens and mixed with quark, yoghurt etc. and seasoned to make a delicious, spicy spread or dip. The young, feathery foliage can be used raw or cooked and tastes similar to watercress. There are no limits to your imagination when it comes to preparation.
Lepidium mayenii - Maca "Yellow" (seed)
Maca is just as easy to germinate as garden cress.
- It prefers nutrient-rich, slightly acidic and well-drained substrate.
- The seeds are very fine, they are only scattered and pressed.
- Sowing begins in March.
- The young plants are separated and then transplanted to their final location.
If you sow in March, tubers can already be harvested in June, but if they remain in the ground for a longer period of time (up to November), they become more aromatic - so it's best to try out for yourself what works best for you.
Otherwise proceed with the care as with radishes (e.g. remove plants that are too close together so that large tubers can form).
If there is a risk of snail damage, asnail protectionapplied around the plantlets.
The germination rate, tested by us, is 85 percent. The seed has a varietal purity of 99% and is very fresh.