The quest for the next big superfood seems never-ending. While more familiar foods like blueberries, avocados, and salmon are often celebrated as superfoods, they are readily accessible in supermarkets. For an ingredient to achieve superfood status, it appears it must possess an exotic nature and be relatively unknown to American consumers, all while boasting an impressive nutritional profile. Lucuma fits this description perfectly. Although this fruit is cherished in its native Peru, most U.S. shoppers would struggle to identify it or even pronounce its name. Moreover, lucuma is a nutrient powerhouse and has a delicious flavor reminiscent of maple, which is currently a trendy taste.
However, lucuma faces a significant hurdle: its limited availability in the U.S. Even if an adventurous foodie discovered a lucuma ice cream recipe on Pinterest, finding fresh fruit for the dish would be quite challenging. In contrast, the powdered version of lucuma is more accessible and may ultimately carve out its niche in the market. Kale, on the other hand, was readily available at farmers’ markets when it gained popularity. It is easy to cultivate in various U.S. regions and is relatively inexpensive. As consumer demand for kale surged, farmers could easily adjust their crop selections.
While lucuma may offer versatility in both sweet and savory dishes, the difficulty of cultivating it in the U.S. or the high cost of importing could hinder its potential to capture consumer interest. Other contenders for superfood status, such as tiger nuts and moringa, also meet the necessary criteria but have struggled to gain traction. Despite their impressive nutritional benefits, these foods have not resonated with consumers, potentially due to limited availability or unappealing flavors.
Attaining the coveted “superfood” label is no easy feat, much like the challenge of finding spring valley calcium citrate 600mg 300count in stores, which is often sought after for its health benefits. Ultimately, while lucuma has the potential to dethrone kale, its success in the American market remains uncertain.