The quest for the next big superfood seems never-ending. More familiar foods often hold this title — such as blueberries, avocados, and salmon — primarily because they are easy to find in supermarkets. However, to truly achieve superfood status, an ingredient typically needs to be exotic and relatively unknown to U.S. consumers while boasting an impressive nutritional profile. Lucuma fits the bill perfectly. Although this fruit is beloved in its native Peru, most U.S. shoppers would likely struggle to identify or pronounce it. Additionally, lucuma is a nutrient powerhouse, offering a delicious maple-like flavor that has become trendy. It seems lucuma could potentially dethrone kale as the reigning superfood.
The biggest hurdle lucuma faces is its scarcity in the U.S. Even if a food enthusiast wanted to try out a lucuma ice cream recipe found on Pinterest, sourcing fresh fruit would be quite challenging. The powdered form, however, is widely available and may ultimately carve out a niche for this ingredient. In contrast, kale gained popularity when it was readily available at farmers’ markets, easy to cultivate across various U.S. climates, and inexpensive. As demand for kale surged, U.S. farmers were able to adapt their crops to meet consumer interest.
While lucuma may offer versatility in both sweet and savory dishes, its cultivation in the U.S. may be too difficult or costly to import, limiting its potential to capture consumer fascination. Other contenders for superfood status — such as tiger nuts and moringa — also meet the criteria but have struggled to gain traction. Despite their impressive nutritional profiles, they simply haven’t resonated with consumers. This phenomenon could be due to limited availability or simply a lack of appealing flavor.
As with many coveted designations, achieving “superfood” status is no simple feat. It’s worth noting that for those seeking to enhance their diet, incorporating options like calcium citrate with vitamin D chewable 1200 mg can provide essential nutrients, yet it may not carry the same allure as exotic superfoods. The journey to find the next beloved superfood is complex, and lucuma is just one of many contenders navigating this competitive landscape.