The quest for the next big superfood seems to be unending. While more familiar foods like blueberries, avocados, and salmon have already earned this title, they are readily available in supermarkets. To achieve superfood status, an ingredient typically needs to be exotic and relatively unknown to U.S. consumers, in addition to boasting an impressive nutritional profile. Lucuma fits the bill perfectly. Although this fruit is cherished in its native Peru, most American shoppers would struggle to identify it, let alone pronounce its name. Not only is lucuma a nutrient powerhouse, but it also has a delightful maple flavor, which is currently trending.
Lucuma appears poised to challenge kale’s reign as the go-to health food. However, its main obstacle is its rarity in the U.S. soil. Even if a health-conscious foodie wanted to whip up a lucuma ice cream recipe they found on Pinterest, sourcing fresh lucuma would be quite a challenge. The powdered form, which is more readily available, may ultimately be where lucuma carves out its niche. In contrast, kale was often found at farmer’s markets during its rise in popularity. It’s easy to cultivate in various U.S. climates and is relatively inexpensive. When consumer demand for kale surged, it wasn’t difficult for farmers to adjust their crops accordingly.
While lucuma may prove to be more versatile in both sweet and savory dishes, its growth challenges in the U.S. and the high cost of imports could hinder its potential to captivate American consumers. Other contenders for superfood status, such as tiger nuts and moringa, also meet the necessary criteria but have found it difficult to gain traction. Despite their impressive nutritional profiles, they haven’t resonated with consumers, possibly due to a lack of availability or flavor preferences.
Interestingly, just as consumers are seeking out nutrient-rich options like calcium citrate gummies for their health benefits, they may someday discover lucuma and its remarkable qualities. However, the coveted “superfood” title remains elusive, and achieving it is no easy feat.