Indulge in the rich and exotic flavor of Lúcuma fruit, known for its distinctive, sweet, and musky deliciousness. This exquisite fruit from South America is sometimes called “Gold of the Incas” because of its precious nature. Lúcuma has been used for centuries in Peru, Ecuador, and Chile, where it was revered for its medicinal properties and used as a natural sweetener. Today, Lúcuma is used globally in desserts, ice creams, smoothies, and more.

Origins and Benefits of Lúcuma

Lúcuma is native to the Andean valleys of Peru, Ecuador, and Chile, where it has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. The fruit has a rich history and played a significant role in the Incan culture, often depicted in their pottery, textiles, and artwork. The Incas revered Lúcuma for its abundance of nutrients, believed to provide strength, endurance and fertility.

Lúcuma contains high levels of antioxidants, beta-carotene, and niacin, which are all required for maintaining overall well-being. This anti-inflammatory fruit is also rich in fiber, carbohydrates, minerals like calcium, and vitamins B3, C, and E.

Lúcuma Promotes Bone Health

Lúcuma is a great source of calcium, which is essential for keeping your bones strong and healthy. Encouraging good bone health is crucial, especially as osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases increasingly affect people worldwide. Incorporating Lúcuma into your diet can help reduce the risk of these diseases.

Nutritional Values

One hundred grams (approximately half a cup) of Lúcuma pulp contains:

• 87 calories
• 1 gram of protein
• 22 grams of carbohydrates
• 1.5 grams of fiber
• 0.3 grams of fat
• 14 grams of sugar

Aside from its digestive benefits, Lúcuma is also excellent for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.

How to Eat Lúcuma

Lúcuma’s creamy and sweet flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s commonly used for making desserts, including ice cream, cakes, and pies. Here are some ways to incorporate Lúcuma into your diet:

• Smoothies: add some Lúcuma powder or fruit to your smoothies for a sweet and flavorful boost.
• Baking: substitute sugar with Lúcuma powder in your baked goods for a healthier and more flavorful option.
• Toppings: sprinkle Lúcuma powder on top of your yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal bowls for added nutrition.

Conclusion

Lúcuma is a unique and flavorful fruit with a host of health benefits to offer. Its high nutritional value and antioxidant content make it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Incorporating Lúcuma into your daily routine can help boost your immunity, reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being. Try out some of the Lúcuma-based recipes and add variation and excitement to your meals.

If you love anti-inflammatory fruits, check out the rest of our fruits section here or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie. Make sure to try out Lúcuma today.