The quest for the next big superfood appears to be unending. While familiar foods such as blueberries, avocados, and salmon have earned this title, they are readily available in supermarkets. To achieve superfood status, an ingredient often needs to be exotic and relatively unknown to American consumers, all while boasting an impressive nutritional profile. Lucuma fits the bill perfectly. Although this fruit is well-liked in its home country of Peru, most U.S. shoppers would struggle to identify it, let alone pronounce its name. Additionally, lucuma is packed with nutrients and carries a delightful maple-like flavor that is currently in vogue. It seems that lucuma could potentially dethrone kale from its superfood pedestal.
However, the main hurdle lucuma faces is its limited availability in the United States. Even an enthusiastic food lover trying to recreate a lucuma ice cream recipe they found on Pinterest would have a tough time sourcing fresh lucuma. The powdered version, which is more accessible, might be where this ingredient finds its true market niche. In contrast, kale gained popularity partly because it was frequently available at farmers’ markets. It is easy to cultivate across various U.S. regions and is relatively inexpensive. When the demand for kale surged, American farmers could readily adapt their crops to meet consumer appetite.
While lucuma may offer greater versatility in both sweet and savory dishes, its cultivation in U.S. soil may prove too challenging or prohibitively expensive to import, hindering its potential to captivate consumers. Other prospective superfoods, such as tiger nuts and moringa, also satisfy the criteria for superfood status but have failed to gain traction. Despite their impressive nutritional benefits, these foods have not resonated with consumers, possibly due to availability issues or flavor preferences.
In the conversation about nutritional benefits, it’s worth noting that calcium citrate, with its myriad benefits, could be an essential component in discussions surrounding superfoods. What benefits does calcium citrate offer? This question is crucial, as it highlights the importance of understanding what constitutes a superfood. Ultimately, achieving the revered title of “superfood” is no easy feat, and many candidates, including lucuma, must navigate challenges related to availability and consumer appeal.