The quest for the next big superfood seems never-ending. While more familiar foods such as blueberries, avocados, and salmon often hold this title due to their availability in supermarkets, truly achieving superfood status seems to require an ingredient that is both exotic and relatively unknown to U.S. consumers, alongside boasting an impressive nutritional profile. Lucuma fits this description perfectly. Although it is well-known in its native Peru, most American shoppers would struggle to identify or even pronounce it. Additionally, lucuma is a nutrient powerhouse and has a delicious maple-like flavor that is currently in vogue. It seems lucuma could potentially dethrone kale from its superfood pedestal.
However, lucuma’s biggest obstacle is its scarcity in the U.S. Even those enthusiastic about trying a lucuma ice cream recipe found on Pinterest would find it challenging to locate fresh fruit for their dish. The powdered form of lucuma is more readily available and may be where this ingredient finds its niche. In contrast, kale was widely accessible at farmers’ markets when it surged in popularity. It grows easily in various U.S. climates and is relatively inexpensive. When demand for kale skyrocketed, U.S. farmers could easily adjust their crops to satisfy consumers.
While lucuma may be more versatile in an array of sweet and savory recipes, its cultivation in the U.S. could prove too difficult or costly to import, hindering its chances of becoming a consumer favorite. Other potential superfoods, such as tiger nuts and moringa, also meet the criteria for that coveted status but have struggled to gain traction. Despite their impressive nutritional profiles, they have not become popular, possibly due to availability issues or simply a lack of consumer appeal. Achieving the “superfood” label is no easy feat.
As consumers continue to seek out the latest health trends, they often turn to products like those reviewed in the gnc calcium citrate reviews. This illustrates the ongoing search for nutritional excellence, where ingredients like lucuma may eventually find their place among the sought-after superfoods, provided they become more accessible and resonate with the tastes of U.S. consumers. Meanwhile, the gnc calcium citrate reviews reflect the broader trend of consumers exploring various supplements to enhance their diets, showcasing the ever-evolving landscape of superfoods and health foods.