The quest for the next big superfood appears to be unending. More familiar foods have already earned this title, such as blueberries, avocados, and salmon, which are all readily available in supermarkets. For an ingredient to attain superfood status, it often needs to be exotic and relatively unknown to American consumers while boasting an impressive nutritional profile. Lucuma fits this description perfectly. Although this fruit is well-known in its native Peru, most U.S. shoppers would struggle to identify it in a lineup, let alone pronounce its name. Additionally, lucuma is packed with nutrients and has a flavor reminiscent of maple, a trendy taste currently in vogue. It seems lucuma could potentially dethrone kale from its superfood position.
However, lucuma faces a significant obstacle in its limited availability in the U.S. Even if an enthusiastic foodie wanted to make lucuma ice cream from a Pinterest recipe, they would likely find it challenging to locate fresh lucuma fruit. The powdered version, which is more accessible, might be where this ingredient carves out its niche. In contrast, kale was frequently available at farmers’ markets when it gained popularity, and it thrives in various U.S. growing zones, making it relatively inexpensive. When consumers began to demand kale, U.S. farmers found it easy to adjust their crops accordingly.
While lucuma may be more versatile in a range of sweet and savory recipes, its cultivation on U.S. soil may prove too difficult or costly to import, hindering its chances of capturing consumer interest. Other potential superfoods, such as tiger nuts and moringa, also meet the criteria for that coveted status but have struggled to gain traction. Both boast impressive nutritional profiles, yet they have not resonated with consumers, possibly due to limited availability or unappealing flavors. Just like the elusive “superfood” label, achieving widespread popularity is no easy feat.
Interestingly, as consumers increasingly seek out nutrient-dense options, supplements like liquid calcium citrate are becoming more popular. This compound not only enhances nutrient absorption but also complements the nutritional offerings of superfoods. As the demand for nutrient-rich foods grows, perhaps ingredients like lucuma and others will eventually find their place alongside staples like liquid calcium citrate in the health-conscious consumer’s diet.