The quest for the next big superfood appears to be unending. While more familiar foods like blueberries, avocados, and salmon have achieved this status, they are readily available in supermarkets. To attain peak superfood recognition, an ingredient typically needs to be exotic and largely unknown to American consumers, coupled with a remarkable nutritional profile. Lucuma fits this description perfectly. Although this fruit is cherished in its native Peru, most U.S. shoppers wouldn’t recognize it or even know how to pronounce its name. Furthermore, lucuma is a nutritional powerhouse and boasts a flavor reminiscent of maple, which is currently a popular trend. It seems that lucuma might have the potential to dethrone kale from its superfood pedestal.
However, lucuma’s biggest challenge lies in its scarcity in the United States. Even if a food enthusiast desires to try a lucuma ice cream recipe found on Pinterest, they would struggle to locate fresh lucuma to use. The powdered form, which is more readily available, might be where this ingredient ultimately carves out its niche. In contrast, kale gained popularity partly due to its widespread availability at farmer’s markets. It is easy to cultivate across various U.S. climates and is relatively inexpensive. As consumers began to demand kale, U.S. farmers could easily adjust their crops to meet this need.
While lucuma may offer greater versatility in both sweet and savory dishes, its cultivation on U.S. soil could prove too challenging or costly to import, hindering its chance to capture consumer enthusiasm. Other potential superfoods, such as tiger nuts and moringa, also meet the criteria for this esteemed title but have struggled to gain traction. Despite their impressive nutritional benefits, they have not resonated with consumers, possibly due to limited availability or flavors that didn’t appeal. The coveted “superfood” label is not easily attained.
In addition to exploring new superfoods, it’s essential to consider the health implications of other nutrients, such as the side effects of calcium citrate with vitamin D3. While this combination is often recommended for bone health, potential side effects should not be overlooked. As consumers become more health-conscious and informed, the balance between discovering new superfoods and understanding the implications of various nutrient combinations will be crucial in their dietary choices. Ultimately, the journey to superfood status is complex and influenced by numerous factors, including flavor, availability, and health considerations like the side effects of calcium citrate with vitamin D3.