Maca powder is ground from the maca plant, which has grown in Peru for thousands of years. Peruvians use ground maca to make cold and hot drinks, cakes, cookies, pies, bread, soups and stews. Maca has a predominantly earthy, nutty taste with hints of malt and caramel. Most commonly available in powder form, maca powder has recently become popular as a healthy food to add to smoothies and protein powders.