lucuma powder
What is Lucuma?
Lucuma is a fruit that grows to a length of between 4-8cm.1
Pouteria lucuma is part of a genus of trees that have long been
used in traditional medicines and are thought to have antioxidant
activity.2
Lucuma is extremely popular in Peru and Chile due to its delicious flavour, which has been described as
similar to maple syrup.3 4 The fruit can be eaten raw but is commonly used as flavouring in ice creams and
desserts.3
The fruit is native to the Andean valleys; growing naturally in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Northern Chile
and Bolivia. It commonly appeared in pre-Columbian art, in both potteries and textiles, underlining its
importance to these cultures.5 Efforts to grow lucuma outside its native habitat have been met with very
limited success. For example, while lucuma now grows in Costa Rica, attempts to introduce it to the USA
have so far failed.4
Processing
Our lucuma powder originates from Peru, where it benefits from
the temperate conditions, with seasonal rains and high relative
humidity.3 The Pouteria lucuma tree, which bears the fruit, will
normally reach a height of around 8 – 15 metres and can produce
up to 500 fruits a year. Lucuma fruit is harvested in the summer,
between the months of January and April.3 Although lucuma can be
eaten raw it is highly perishable so is often dehydrated and ground
into a powder to preserve the nutrients and flavour.1
The lucuma fruit falls from the tree before it is ripe and must be stored in dry hay until it softens.4 6
Once ripe, the lucuma is carefully washed before being sliced into small segments. The segments are
dehydrated at a temperature below 45°C, which helps the lucuma retain its nutrients and means it remains
a completely raw product. After dehydration, the dried fruit is milled into a fine powder that can be stored for
up to two years, without any loss of flavour or nutrients.4
The Science
Lucuma tastes sweet but is only 17% sugar, all of which are naturally occurring and unrefined. Lucuma
also has high fibre content,4 which helps to regulate blood sugar levels by slowing the entry of glucose
into the bloodstream.6 As a result, lucuma is a useful alternative sweetener to the ‘empty calories’ of
sugar. Evidence from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey showed that most adults and children in the
UK eat too much sugar.7 An excess of sugar in the diet can lead to
weight gain, tooth decay and an increased risk of diabetes and heart
disease.8
Lucuma is low in acid and rich in starch.9 It is a good source of
minerals; with generous helpings of iron,8 which helps to form the red
blood cells that carry oxygen around the body.10 Lucuma also contains
phosphorus and calcium, which both help strengthen bones and
teeth.9
Lucuma contains carotene,5 which helps strengthen the immune system and keep skin healthy, as well as
Niacin and Riboflavin (also known as vitamin B3 and B2 respectively),11 which help to keep the nervous
system operating effectively.6 Extract of lucuma has demonstrated wound-healing properties.12
How to enjoy Lucuma
Lucuma is commonly used in the creation of home-made ice cream and can be used to supplement a wide
variety of desserts. Its butterscotch taste means it can be used in almost any recipe, from fudge to mousse,
and it combines well with cocoa nibs. As well as acting as a flavouring or sweetener, lucuma is also great in
smoothies that need an extra burst of flavour. For an easy fix, simply stir some lucuma powder into a glass
of milk or water.
As ever, feel free to experiment. If you come up with a great recipe then why not send it to us
along with some pictures? The best recipes stand a chance of winning some free Naturya
products and being uploaded to our site for everyone to try!
1 R.J. Campbell, 1996. South American Fruits Deserving Further
Attention. Progress in new crops. ASHS Press.
2 C.A.M. Silva, L.A. Simeoni & D. Silveira, 2009. Genus Pouteria:
chemistry and biological activity. Revisita Brasileira de Farmacognosia.
19[2].
3 M.B. Kijac, 2003. The South American Table: The Flavor and Soul of
Authentic Home Cooking from Patagonia to Rio de Janeiro. The Harvard
Common Press.
4 Supplier pers. comms.
5 M.A. Towle, 1967. The Etnobotany of Pre-Columbian Peru.
AldineTransaction, 2007.
6 Canadian Diabetes Association. The Benefits of Eating Fiber. www.
diabetes.ca
7 NHS, 2011. Live Well: Sugars. www.nhs.uk
8 NHS Bournemouth and Poole. Eating well: Sugar. www.
bournemouthandpoole.nhs.uk/yourhealth/sugar.htm
9 Ad Hoc Panel of the Davisory Committee on Technology Innovation,
Board on Science and Technology for International Development,
National Research Council, 1989. Lost Crops of the Incas: Little-Known
Plants of the Andes with Promise for Worldwide Cultivation. The National
Academies Press.
10 NHS, 2011. Vitamins and minerals. www.nhs.uk
11 E.M. Yahia, 2004. Sapodilla and related fruits.
]12 L.E. Rojo, C.M. Villano, G. Joseph, B. Schmidt, V. Shulaev, J.L.
Shuman, M.A. Lila & I. Raskin, 2010. Wound-healing properties of nut oil
from Pouteria lucuma. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 9[3].
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