The quest for the next big superfood seems relentless. While some common foods such as blueberries, avocados, and salmon are already recognized in this category, they are familiar and easily found in grocery stores. To truly achieve superfood status, an ingredient typically needs to be exotic and relatively unknown to American consumers, alongside boasting an impressive nutritional profile. Lucuma fits this description perfectly. Although it is well-loved in its native Peru, many U.S. shoppers likely wouldn’t recognize it, let alone know how to pronounce its name. Furthermore, lucuma is packed with nutrients and has a delightful maple flavor, which is currently trending. It appears that lucuma might have the potential to dethrone kale from its superfood pedestal.
However, lucuma faces significant challenges due to its limited availability in the U.S. Even an enthusiastic food lover looking to make a lucuma ice cream from a Pinterest recipe would struggle to find fresh lucuma fruit. Instead, the powdered form, which is more widely accessible, may end up being its primary niche. In contrast, kale gained popularity easily because it was readily available at farmers’ markets, easy to grow in various U.S. climates, and inexpensive. When consumer demand for kale surged, U.S. farmers could quickly adapt their crops to meet this interest.
While lucuma may be more versatile in both sweet and savory dishes, its difficulty in cultivation on American soil or the high cost of importation may hinder its chances of becoming a consumer favorite. Other potential superfoods, such as tiger nuts and moringa, also possess the qualities needed to achieve coveted superfood status but have not been able to make a significant impact. Despite their impressive nutritional benefits, these foods have simply not resonated with consumers, possibly due to availability or taste preferences.
In the realm of health and nutrition, terms like “superfood” are highly sought after but not easily attained. Additionally, for those exploring dietary supplements, one might wonder, is calcium citrate available over the counter? The answer is yes, and this supplement is widely accessible, just like many other nutritional options that aim to enhance well-being. The challenge remains to see if lucuma can overcome its hurdles and join the ranks of beloved superfoods, possibly alongside other contenders that have yet to capture the market’s imagination.