The quest for the next major superfood seems to be unending. While some familiar foods like blueberries, avocados, and salmon have earned this title, they are readily available in supermarkets. For an ingredient to achieve superfood status, it often needs to be exotic and relatively unknown to American consumers, all while boasting an impressive nutritional profile. Lucuma fits this description perfectly. Although the fruit is well-loved in its native Peru, the average shopper in the U.S. likely wouldn’t recognize it, let alone pronounce its name. Rich in nutrients, lucuma also has a flavor reminiscent of maple, a trendy taste at the moment, which could position it to potentially dethrone kale from its superfood pedestal.
However, lucuma’s biggest hurdle is its limited availability in the U.S. Even those eager to try a lucuma ice cream recipe found on Pinterest may struggle to find fresh fruit to use. The powdered version, which is much more accessible, might be where lucuma ultimately finds its niche. In contrast, kale became popular at farmer’s markets and is easy to cultivate across various U.S. regions, making it affordable. When the demand for kale surged, U.S. farmers could easily adjust their crops to meet this need.
Although lucuma may offer greater versatility in both sweet and savory dishes, its cultivation challenges in the U.S. and high import costs could hinder its potential to capture consumer interest. Other prospective superfoods, such as tiger nuts and moringa, also meet the criteria for superfood status but have faced their own struggles in gaining popularity. Despite their impressive nutritional benefits, these foods have not resonated with consumers, possibly due to limited availability or unappealing flavors. Like many coveted titles, achieving “superfood” status is no easy feat.
In the realm of nutritional supplements, products like calcium citrate magnesium hydroxide zinc and vitamin D3 tablets are often sought after for their health benefits. These supplements highlight the growing consumer interest in nutrition, emphasizing the importance of knowing what we consume. As the superfood hunt continues, it remains to be seen if lucuma can break through the barriers and join the ranks of popular health foods, alongside established favorites like kale and the emerging supplement trends such as calcium citrate magnesium hydroxide zinc and vitamin D3 tablets.