The quest for the next big superfood appears to be an ongoing endeavor. While more familiar foods such as blueberries, avocados, and salmon have already earned this title—largely due to their accessibility in supermarkets—novel ingredients often capture the spotlight. To achieve superfood status, an ingredient typically needs to be exotic and relatively unfamiliar to U.S. consumers while boasting an impressive nutritional profile. Lucuma fits this description perfectly. Although the fruit is cherished in its native Peru, most Americans would likely struggle to identify it, let alone pronounce its name. Lucuma is not only a powerhouse of nutrients but also has a delightful maple flavor, which is currently on-trend. This could position lucuma as a potential challenger to kale’s superfood crown.
However, lucuma’s main hurdle is its limited availability in the U.S. Even if a culinary enthusiast wanted to experiment with a lucuma ice cream recipe found on Pinterest, they would find it difficult to source fresh fruit. The powdered version, which is more readily accessible, might be where lucuma carves out its niche. In contrast, kale enjoyed a rise in popularity thanks to its presence at farmers’ markets, its easy cultivation across various U.S. climates, and its affordability. When consumers began clamoring for kale, U.S. farmers quickly adapted their crops to meet the growing demand.
While lucuma may offer greater versatility in both sweet and savory dishes, its cultivation challenges in the U.S. or the high costs of importation could hinder its potential to capture the hearts of consumers. Other contenders for superfood status, such as tiger nuts and moringa, also meet the necessary criteria but have yet to gain traction. Despite their impressive nutritional profiles, which could complement supplements like bariatric advantage calcium, these foods have struggled to resonate with consumers. This scenario might again stem from limited availability or perhaps a flavor profile that fails to appeal widely. Ultimately, achieving the esteemed “superfood” label is no easy feat.