The quest for the next big superfood appears to be ongoing. More commonly known foods, such as blueberries, avocados, and salmon, often receive this label due to their familiarity and availability in supermarkets. However, to truly achieve superfood status, an ingredient typically needs to be exotic and relatively unknown to American consumers, alongside boasting an impressive nutritional profile. Lucuma fits this description perfectly. Although it enjoys popularity in its native Peru, most shoppers in the U.S. would struggle to recognize or even pronounce it. Nutritionally, it is a powerhouse, and its taste—reminiscent of maple—aligns with current flavor trends. It seems lucuma could potentially dethrone kale from its superfood pedestal.
The primary obstacle lucuma faces is its scarcity in the U.S. Even an enthusiastic foodie trying to recreate a lucuma ice cream recipe found on Pinterest would find it challenging to source fresh fruit. The powdered version, which is more widely available, may be where lucuma ultimately carves out its niche. In contrast, kale gained traction in farmer’s markets and is easy to cultivate across numerous U.S. regions, making it an affordable option. As consumer demand for kale surged, U.S. farmers were able to shift their crops relatively easily to meet this newfound interest.
Despite lucuma’s versatility in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, the difficulties in growing it domestically or the high costs associated with importing it could hinder its chances of capturing the public’s obsession. Other potential superfoods, such as tiger nuts and moringa, also meet the criteria for that coveted label but have yet to gain widespread popularity. Despite their impressive nutritional profiles, these foods have struggled to resonate with consumers, possibly due to availability issues or unappealing flavors.
In the realm of superfoods, the competition is fierce, and earning the title is no simple feat. Just like consumers seek the best calcium citrate supplement in the UK, they are always on the lookout for the next superfood that can elevate their health. The challenge remains: how to make these nutrient-rich foods accessible and appealing to the masses.