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Purple Corn Extract 30:1 – Ancestral Nourishment from the Andes
Purple corn, or maíz morado, is an ancient crop native to the low Andean valleys of Peru, thriving in both coastal regions and high-altitude areas up to 10,000 feet. For thousands of years, it has been a vital part of daily life and ritual across the Andes.
Traditionally, purple corn has been soaked to make chicha morada — a beloved and refreshing drink made with fruit and spices, still widely enjoyed in Peru today. It’s more than just a food source; it’s a plant that carries cultural reverence, deeply woven into the spiritual and agricultural practices of the region. This drink has deep cultural roots, and while chicha morada is typically non-fermented, its fermented counterpart, chicha de jora, held a powerful role in ceremonial practice.
The Incas believed that consuming chicha de jora facilitated communication with mountain deities (apus), gods, and ancestors. It played a central role in religious events, including rituals to honour both divine forces and ancestral spirits — a sacred act of connection, reverence, and remembrance.
Among many indigenous peoples, particularly throughout Mesoamerica and the Andes, maize is a sacred plant — honoured in myths of origin, seasonal ceremonies, and daily offerings. While different colours of corn carry distinct symbolic meanings, purple corn is especially prized for its rich colour, strength, and vibrancy. Purple corn is often associated with the energy of the heavens and the concept of “above” in traditional teachings.
This is not purple corn flour (which is simply dried and ground kernels). This is a 30:1 extract, meaning 30 parts of the whole corn are concentrated into 1 — resulting in a deeply potent powder that is particularly rich in anthocyanins, the antioxidants that give purple corn its vivid colour.
Why it’s special:
True 30:1 extract – far more concentrated than standard ground corn powders
Naturally rich in anthocyanins – known for their antioxidant and cellular protective properties
A staple of Andean tradition with continued ceremonial and cultural use
Honoured for its flavour, potency, and deep ancestral roots
This is a plant of presence — treasured for its richness in both nutrients and ancestral wisdom.
Purple Corn Extract 30:1
Nutritional Information | per 100g |
---|---|
Energy | 375 Kcal 1570 kj |
Fat | 1g |
of which saturates | - |
Carbohydrate | 83 g |
- of which sugars | 5.6 g |
Dietary Fiber | - |
Protein | - |
Salt | 63 mg |
Learn more in our blog post here.
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Purple corn extract makes a wonderful natural food colouring with a pleasant, blackcurrant-like flavour
Start with just ⅛ teaspoon per person — a little goes a long way
Add to smoothies, puddings, mylks, and other creations for vibrant purple drinks and desserts
This is not the same as plain purple corn powder — only the extract offers this level of flavour and colour intensity
Find plenty of inspiration in Kate Magic's recipe books, where it features in multiple recipes
Once opened, store in a sealed container — the extract is sensitive to moisture and will clump if it gets damp