Peruvian Maca Root vs. Chinese Maca Root

If you’ve done a little bit of research you probably already know that Maca root originates in the high Andes mountains and is today primarily grown in Peru and Bolivia. What you probably don’t know is that over the past several years, China has also started growing and exporting Maca root products. This article explains the difference between the two and why you should insist on Peruvian Maca. We will show some face about Peruvian Maca Root vs Chinese Maca Root.

Maca From China?

All of the research has shown that while Maca plants can be grown at lover elevations these plants fail to produce roots of any significant size. Little did we known that the mountains in the Yunan Province of China reach elevations above the 14,000 feet (M) at which Maca plants do product roots. Indeed, Chinese framers have imported seeds from Peru and are growing Maca roots. But there are some major issues with these products.

 Chinese Maca: 5 Major Issues

1. First, we’ve discovered in China that laboratories are actually producing a synthetic form of Maca and trying to pass it off as authentic Maca root. This would be like creating a wheat flour substitute in the lab and then selling it as the real deal. Needless to say, you want to avoid anything synthetic when it comes to your food.
2. Second, China grows and exports a relatively large number of super foods, including rice protein, grass powders, hemp seeds, goji berries and more, so it’s not surprising that they have chosen to cultivate Maca as well. The unfortunate reality is that these foods carry a high risk of contamination, as China is one of the most heavily polluted countries in the world.
3. Third, there is a definite difference and appearance of Chinese Maca powder.
4. Fourth, We’ve recently learned from a powerful documentary, that the Chinese already hold 7 GMO patents on Maca. That means that there is no way to discern if Maca from China is GMO-free or not. Peru has banned GMOs at least until the year 2021.
5. Finally, Maca originated in the high Andes of Peru and is a national heritage food of Peru. Since 2003, it has been illegal to transport whole roots or seeds outside of Peru, and yet, Maca is somehow currently grown in China. According to reports, Maca cultivated in China certainly came from seeds smuggled out of Peru. What is more, China apparently does not acknowledge this, nor does it have any contract with Peru to grow Maca. To buy Chinese grown Maca supports this practice which in our opinion is unethical.