This fruit, Lucuma (Pouteria lucuma), from the Amazon basin is a popular tropical fruit for making ice creams, juices, or other sweets in South America, and it is just beginning to be found more in western markets.
Although it has a unique flavor of its own, its rising popularity is for use as a sugar substitute. With a very unique flavor—often described somewhere between butterscotch and maple syrup—and a low-glycemic index, some think it could be the next big superfood.
The odd thing about Lucuma as a raw fruit is that it has a drier texture than most, which has been compared to the meaty texture of the yolk of a hard boiled egg. It is found mostly in high elevations of Peru, Chile and Ecuador. In ancient Peruvian symbology, it was thought to represent fertility and creation.
One tablespoon of lucuma powder is about 30 calories, with 6 grams of carbs, 1.5 grams sugars, and 2 grams fiber—representing about 75% less sugar than table sugar and half the carbs. Lucuma also contains fiber, protein, antioxidants, calcium, niacin, iron and vitamin C.
In scientific investigation, the nut oil of Lucuma showed wound healing properties, gastroprotective effects and antioxidant activity. In preliminary studies the fruit has been indicated to promote lactation, lower blood pressure and promote blood sugar balance.
Photo by Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.