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Pouteria lucuma
Lucuma is a South American tropical fruit renowned for its creamy texture and distinctive maple-like flavor. Excellent source of vitamin C (25% DV) supporting immune function and antioxidant defense. Rich in dietary fiber (2.1g) supporting digestive health and regular bowel function. Contains polyphenols and antioxidants with powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. Very low in calories (58 per 100g) ideal for weight management. Unique dry custard-like flesh with natural sweetness. Contains copper supporting collagen synthesis and immune function. Contains B vitamins supporting energy metabolism. Native to Peru and Ecuador, lucuma gaining international recognition as superfruit and natural sweetener supporting wellness.
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Lucuma - Main View
Per 100g
Per 100g
Nutrition breakdown for one serving
South America, Central America
Lucuma native to South America (Peruvian Andes) with centuries of Incan cultivation. Traditional Incan food foundation. Pre-Columbian significance documented. Colonial period documentation expanding knowledge. Modern cultivation expanding to Ecuador, Bolivia, and other regions. Scientific research validating traditional medicinal and nutritional benefits. Culinary tradition continuing as natural sweetener and superfruit ingredient.
Peak season August-September in Southern Hemisphere
Each variety offers unique flavors, textures, and culinary applications
Keep your fruit fresh and delicious for longer
Select firm lucuma without soft spots or bruises
Choose golden-yellow color indicating ripeness
Look for slight aroma indicating ripeness
Press gently - should be firm, not mushy
Avoid greenish unripe specimens
Check for uniform color and appearance
Purchase from Latin American markets or specialty grocers
Select consistent size for even ripeness
Store at room temperature up to 4 days when ripe
Refrigerate for extended storage up to 10 days
Keep in produce drawer away from ethylene-producing fruits
Do not wash before storing to preserve shelf life
Can be frozen whole up to 3 months
Powder form maintains quality up to 2 years
Best when consumed fresh shortly after purchase
Avoid plastic wrap - allow air circulation
Preserve freshness for months
Lucuma best consumed fresh
Can freeze whole fruit up to 3 months
Thaw before consuming fresh
Frozen fruit excellent for smoothies
Texture softens after freezing
Frozen fruit maintains vitamin C content
Powder form indefinite shelf life when sealed
Label frozen items with the date to track freshness. Most fruits maintain quality for 2-3 months when properly frozen. For best results, use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
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Lucuma allergies extremely rare with minimal documented cases. Tropical fruit allergies uncommon. Allergic reactions very uncommon. Generally safe for most individuals. Those with tropical fruit sensitivities should consult allergist. Possible cross-reactivity with similar tropical fruits but rare.
Lucuma cultivated with varying pesticide practices in South America. Organic lucuma available from certified producers. Conventional fruit acceptable with water rinsing. South American suppliers often emphasizing traditional and sustainable cultivation practices.
Surprising trivia you'll love!
Lucuma native to South America (Peruvian Andes) with centuries of Incan civilization cultivation documented
Excellent vitamin C (25% DV) supporting superior immune function and antioxidant defense
Excellent copper (18% DV) among highest of tropical fruits supporting collagen and immunity
Very low calorie (58/100g) making it one of lowest-calorie tropical fruits for weight management
Distinctive maple-like flavor with vanilla undertones making it unique culinary sweetener
Rich polyphenols and carotenoids provide anti-inflammatory benefits comparable to superfruits
Low glycemic index (23) and load (3) ideal for diabetic-friendly and blood sugar management
Unique dry custard-like texture distinctive among tropical fruits providing premium eating experience
Natural sweetness without refined sugar making it healthy alternative for baking and beverages
Modern scientific research beginning to validate centuries of South American Incan traditional wellness knowledge
Lucuma distinctive South American tropical fruit with unique characteristics. EXCELLENT VITAMIN C: 25% DV supporting superior immune function. Antioxidant defense. Cellular protection. NATURAL SWEETENER: Unique natural sweetness without refined sugar. Healthy alternative. Maple-like flavor. Low glycemic. No artificial sweeteners. COMPARED TO ICE CREAM: Lucuma superior nutritional profile. Real fruit source. Vitamin C content. Mineral density. Traditional Incan food. MAPLE-LIKE FLAVOR: Distinctive maple-like flavor notes. Unique taste profile. Vanilla undertones. Complex flavor. Culinary distinction. COPPER CONTENT: Excellent 18% DV supporting. Collagen synthesis. Immune function. Superior to many fruits. Mineral density. POLYPHENOL CONTENT: Rich antioxidant compounds. Anti-inflammatory benefits. Cardiovascular support. Comparable to superfruits. Disease prevention. FIBER CONTENT: Good 2.1g supporting digestion. Prebiotic compounds. Digestive health. Regular bowel function. DRY CUSTARD TEXTURE: Unique creamy custard-like texture. Dry flesh profile. Premium eating experience. Sensory distinction. VERY LOW CALORIE: 58/100g low calorie. Weight management. Metabolic health. Calorie-conscious options. BOTTOM LINE: Lucuma distinctive South American tropical fruit with excellent vitamin C (25% DV), natural maple-like sweetness without refined sugar, excellent copper (18% DV), rich polyphenols with anti-inflammatory benefits, unique dry custard-like creamy texture, good fiber content, low glycemic profile, very low calorie (58/100g), centuries of Incan tradition, and superior nutritional and flavor profile compared to regular ice cream flavoring.
Lucuma versatile South American tropical ingredient with traditional applications emphasizing sweetener, dessert, and beverage preparation. NATURAL SWEETENER: Powder form traditional. Sugar alternative. Healthy sweetening. Baking application. Culinary base. LUCUMA POWDER SWEETENER: Lucuma powder 1-2 tablespoons, water or milk, blend smooth, add to recipes. SMOOTHIE BOWL: Lucuma smoothie base, yogurt layer, granola topping, fresh berries, honey drizzle. LUCUMA ICE CREAM: Lucuma milk, cream, sugar, churn freezer method, serve frozen. SMOOTHIE PREPARATION: Lucuma milk base. Banana combination. Yogurt base. Honey sweetening. Nutritious beverage. ENERGY BALLS: Lucuma powder 1 cup, almond butter ½ cup, coconut 1 cup, honey 2 tablespoons, roll into balls, refrigerate. BAKING APPLICATION: Lucuma powder replaces sugar. Cakes and cookies. Brownies and bars. Dessert preparation. Flavor enhancement. LUCUMA MILK: Lucuma powder 1 tablespoon, milk 250ml, honey 1 teaspoon, blend smooth, serve warm or cold. DESSERT TOPPING: Lucuma powder dust. Yogurt topping. Ice cream topping. Fruit pairing. Culinary artistry. CHOCOLATE PAIRING: Dark chocolate combination. Flavor contrast. Culinary balance. Premium application. VANILLA ENHANCEMENT: Vanilla bean addition. Flavor deepening. Aromatic enhancement. Culinary combination. BOTTOM LINE: Lucuma quintessential South American ingredient with traditional natural sweetener as signature application, ice cream and smoothie bowl as modern culinary classics, energy balls as superfood snack, baking applications emphasizing healthy sugar alternative, traditional lucuma milk beverage, diverse sweetening applications, and recipes highlighting distinctive maple-like flavor, natural sweetness without refined sugar, creamy texture, excellent copper and vitamin C content central to South American culinary tradition.
Lucuma safe for consumption with minimal documented safety concerns. Generally well-tolerated by most populations. ALLERGY INFO: Lucuma allergies extremely rare. Tropical fruit allergies uncommon. Allergic reactions very uncommon. Generally safe for most individuals. Those with tropical fruit sensitivities should consult allergist. Cross-reactivity with similar fruits possible but rare. DIGESTIVE CONSIDERATIONS: Fiber content generally supportive. Some experiencing digestive changes initially. Introduce gradually. Adequate hydration important. Digestive adaptation natural. POLYPHENOL CONTENT: Polyphenols present providing benefits. Antioxidant properties researched. Safe levels in fruit. Generally well-tolerated. Moderation recommended. PREGNANCY CONSIDERATIONS: Lucuma safe during pregnancy. Vitamin C beneficial. Fiber helpful. Natural sweetness beneficial. Moderation recommended. Consult healthcare provider. CHILDREN CONSIDERATIONS: Lucuma safe for children. Sweet flavor child-friendly. Creamy texture appealing. Nutritious food option. Age-appropriate consumption. BLOOD SUGAR: Low glycemic index safe. Diabetic-friendly suitable. Minimal blood sugar impact. Stable energy. MEDICATION INTERACTIONS: Lucuma unlikely to interact with medications. Vitamin C note for specific medications. Consult healthcare provider if concerns. Polyphenol interactions minimal. SIDE EFFECTS: Minimal side effects documented. Some experiencing digestive adjustment. Rare allergic reactions if sensitive. Most individuals tolerating well. STORAGE SAFETY: Store properly to prevent mold. Use before deterioration. Proper handling important. Fresh consumption optimal. Freezing maintains safety. POWDER SAFETY: Keep sealed to maintain quality. Store in cool dry place. Away from moisture. Indefinite shelf life when stored properly. PESTICIDE CONCERNS: Lucuma cultivated with varying practices in South America. Organic lucuma available. Conventional fruit acceptable. Wash before consuming. South American suppliers often sustainable. BOTTOM LINE: Lucuma safe for consumption with minimal documented safety concerns, extremely rare allergies with possible tropical fruit cross-reactivity if sensitive, polyphenol content beneficial and safe, vitamin C and fiber beneficial during pregnancy with moderation, high palatability and safety for children, low glycemic profile ideal for diabetics, minimal medication interactions except vitamin C considerations, and consultation with healthcare provider appropriate for specific individual concerns.
Lucuma profound cultural significance in South American culinary tradition and traditional wellness practices. INCAN ORIGINS: Native to South America (Peruvian Andes). Incan civilization cultivation foundation. Pre-Columbian significance documented. Traditional food staple. Cultural heritage. REGIONAL IDENTITY: South American signature fruit. Regional agricultural heritage. Regional economic importance. Cultural symbol. Local pride. INCAN FOOD: Incan cuisine foundation. Historical food staple. Pre-Columbian preparation. Traditional knowledge. Cultural heritage. TRADITIONAL USES: Ceremonial significance historically. Medicinal food foundation. Nutritional staple. Cultural consumption. Traditional preparation. CULINARY TRADITION: Fresh eating traditional centuries. Sweetener and powder preparation. Cultural consumption. Flavor identity. Traditional application. ANDEAN HERITAGE: Andean mountain cultivation. High-altitude adaptation. Regional specialty. Incan legacy. Mountain tradition. MODERN EXPANSION: International market growth increasing. Specialty market recognition. Export development expanding. Global availability increasing. International interest growing. HEALTH TRENDS: Contemporary superfruit recognition. Natural sweetener emphasis. Antioxidant focus. Scientific validation. Health community interest. DIASPORA SIGNIFICANCE: South American communities maintaining traditions. Cultural heritage preservation. Identity connection. Intergenerational transmission. AUTHENTIC SOURCING: South American lucuma appreciation. Authentic experience seeking. Quality emphasis. Cultural authenticity. SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS: Traditional cultivation methods. Biodiversity support. Indigenous knowledge preservation. Environmental stewardship. Conservation importance. POWDER POPULARITY: Modern superfood trend. Health food movement. Natural sweetener popularity. Global recognition. Contemporary application. BOTTOM LINE: Lucuma profound cultural significance as centuries-old South American fruit native to Peruvian Andes, Incan civilization foundation and pre-Columbian food staple, traditional South American agricultural heritage and cultural identity, traditional fresh fruit and natural sweetener preparation spanning centuries, ceremonial significance and traditional medicinal use, Andean mountain cultivation and high-altitude heritage, modern superfruit recognition emphasizing natural sweetening and vitamin C, expanding international export markets and specialty market growth, diaspora heritage preservation, and emerging global interest as authentic South American culinary essential and superfood ingredient.
Sustainability insights
Lucuma cultivation represents South American agricultural practice with environmental benefits. Advantages include tree cultivation in tropical regions, traditional farming methods, biodiversity support, and ecosystem integration. Challenges include deforestation for expansion, pesticide use in conventional cultivation, long-distance transportation carbon footprint, and habitat loss. Sustainable practices include organic farming, supporting traditional South American producers, agroforestry integration, and regional consumption.
Lucuma carbon footprint varies by cultivation region and transportation method. Primary cultivation in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Colombia. Long-distance international shipping increasing carbon impact significantly. Organic cultivation reducing overall environmental footprint. Supporting South American local production reducing transportation. Seasonal purchasing when available.
Lucuma cultivation adapted to tropical rainfall patterns. Tree cultivation supporting biodiversity. Moderate water requirements. Sustainable water management integrated. Rainfed cultivation supporting natural growth. Minimal irrigation supplementation needed.
Supporting South American lucuma producers maximizes environmental benefit. Direct South American sourcing. Sustainable farming practices preferred. Traditional cultivation supporting. Indigenous knowledge supporting. Local processing reducing carbon footprint. Supporting South American agricultural heritage. BEST PRACTICES: Choose South American-sourced lucuma, support sustainable producers, source from fair-trade suppliers, purchase seasonally when available, minimize processing and packaging.