The quest for the next big superfood seems unending. While commonly known foods like blueberries, avocados, and salmon hold this title, they are relatively easy to find in supermarkets. To capture the attention of health-conscious U.S. consumers, a superfood must not only have an impressive nutritional profile but also be exotic and lesser-known. Lucuma fits this description perfectly. Though cherished in its native Peru, most Americans would likely struggle to identify or even pronounce the name of this fruit. It is nutrient-dense and boasts a delicious maple-like flavor, which is currently trending. Lucuma has the potential to dethrone kale as the reigning superfood.
However, lucuma’s main obstacle is its limited availability in the U.S. Even if a curious foodie comes across a lucuma ice cream recipe on Pinterest, finding fresh fruit to experiment with would be a challenge. The powdered form of lucuma, which is more accessible, might be where this ingredient finds its niche. In contrast, kale’s rise to fame was aided by its presence at farmers’ markets and its adaptability to various U.S. growing zones, making it inexpensive and easy for farmers to cultivate in response to consumer demand.
While lucuma may be more versatile in both sweet and savory dishes, its cultivation on U.S. soil could prove problematic or too costly to import, hindering its chances of becoming a consumer favorite. Other potential superfoods, like tiger nuts and moringa, also meet the criteria for this esteemed status but have struggled to gain traction. Despite their impressive nutritional profiles, they have not caught on, possibly due to availability issues or flavors that don’t resonate with consumers.
In the realm of dietary supplements, calcium citrate 600 mg tablets may offer another avenue for health enthusiasts seeking to enhance their nutrition. Like the coveted “superfood” label, achieving recognition for a food or supplement is no easy task, and lucuma, along with others, must navigate these challenges to find its place in the market. Ultimately, while lucuma shows promise, its path to superfood stardom remains uncertain amidst competition and logistical hurdles.