What is Lucuma?
Lucuma in its whole form looks similar to an avocado, with a hard green exterior covering the sweet, soft fruit. The flesh is yellow and has a texture that is slightly reminiscent to that of a dry egg yolk. Many people say the taste of lucuma reminds them of a cross between caramel and a sweet potato. While it does contain a mellow sweetness, it’s low on the glycemic scale and typically suitable for diabetics.
Health Benefits of Lucuma
Wound Healing and anti-Inflammatory: Try an anti-inflammatory cinnamon, ginger, lucuma smoothie for a healthy and tasty treat.
A vegetarian source rich in niacin (Vitamin B3): While most meat-eaters get their B3 from steaks and chicken, vegetarians and vegans will enjoy this vitamin from lucuma. This nutrient aids in digestion, muscle development, and the regulation of stress and sex
High in beta-carotene : You might have guessed with its yellow-orange color that lucuma is rich in beta-carotene, an important source of vitamin A which our bodies need for better eyesight, promoting cellular growth, and even helping with immune system reactions. Beta carotene may protect against other cancers as well, including esophageal, liver, pancreatic, colon, rectal, prostate, ovarian, and cervical cancers due to its potency as an antioxidant.
Fiber–rich food: This super fruit is full of fiber, which can help the digestive system work properly, reducing constipation and bloating.
Uses of Lucuma
Lucuma fruit powder has a distinctively sweet and fragrant taste that provides a natural sweetening to desserts without increasing your blood sugar levels, unlike many sweeteners that offer empty calories. A healthy alternative to sugar, lucuma powder may be useful for diabetics and people with other health issues.
Lucuma fruit powder can be added to any beverage, smoothie, yogurt, granola, pudding or pastry.
Lucuma powder is ideal for making gourmet ice cream products, nutritional supplements and functional beverages because it helps combine and emulsify fats and oils with sugars and polysaccharides.
You can use lucuma powder in baking cakes, cookies and pies to fortify the nutritional content of your dessert.
Lucuma also makes healthy baby food. As with any food supplement, always consult with your doctor before altering your diet.
Nutritional Information of Lucuma
Lucuma has the same amount of calcium as a glass of cow’s milk, as well as plentiful amounts of beta-carotene (an anti-carcinogen), zinc, iron, vitamin C, niacin (B3), and fiber. It also contains 14 essential trace minerals.