Lucuma: Gold of the incas

In Peru you shall find a unique ray of fruits one of such interest is the Pouteria lucuma or Lucuma. This fruit has been known for many years and is also in displayed in some pottery by the Moche who was a civilization in Peru who thrived in 1th century AD but this fruit was not known to Europeans till 1531.

During the prehispanic, Lucuma was one of the principal ingredients of their diet along with corn, guayaba, quinua and kiwicha. On the arrival of the Europeans, it was cultivated in the Andean plateau and in southern of Ecuador . In Bolivia they cultivate it in La Paz , in Chile it is mainly grown in the  Region of Coquimbo and in Costa Rica around San Jose , where the migrants introduced in the early twentieth century.

Chocolate Cinnamon Torta with Lucuma Ice Cream and Toasted Corn Praline

Lucuma Mousse with a Passionfruit Reduction

 This fruit is green on the outside and orange on the inside now this fruit is rarely eaten by itself due to the texture and the dryness of the fruit. It is however made into a delicious juices, milkshakes and ice cream which are popular in Peru.

Benefits of Lucuma:

1. High in carotene, which is an antioxidant that rejuvenates and reduces the effect of aging. It’s also great for eyesight.
2. Sweet. It can provide a sweet, unique flavour to foods without causing the spike in blood sugar that most other sweet foods cause.
3. High in iron, which increases energy levels through improving the transportation of oxygen to cells.
4. High in Niacin (Vitamin B3) which is generally found in meat, making Lucuma a great source of Niacin for vegetarians and vegans.
5. High in fibre, therefore assisting the digestive processes.
6. Anti-inflammatory – The State University of New Jersey reported a study that evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of Lucuma extract on wound healing and skin aging. The study found that Lucuma significantly increased wound closure and promoted tissue regeneration. The report went on to conclude that Lucuma may have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and skin-repair effects on human skin. Using Lucuma in place of sugar means you reduce your chance of suffering from all the health problems that sugar contributes towards

Taken from: Davinahearne.com

I must admit I never heard of Lucuma in England, but when I first tried I instantly fall in love with the flavour, so if you come to Perú you can't miss this delicious fruit. I would recommend you to try it as ice cream, specially in summer!!