The quest for the next major superfood appears to be an ongoing pursuit. While more familiar options like blueberries, avocados, and salmon have already claimed this title, they are easily accessible in supermarkets. For a food to achieve superfood status, it seems it must be exotic and relatively unfamiliar to U.S. consumers, alongside boasting an impressive nutritional profile. Lucuma fulfills all these criteria. Although this fruit is well-known in its native Peru, most American shoppers would struggle to recognize or even pronounce it. Moreover, lucuma is rich in nutrients and has a maple-like flavor, which aligns with the current trend of popular tastes. It seems lucuma could potentially dethrone kale from its superfood pedestal.
However, lucuma’s biggest hurdle is its limited availability in the U.S. Even if an enthusiastic foodie wanted to create a lucuma ice cream recipe they found on Pinterest, they would find it challenging to source fresh fruit for the dish. The powdered form of lucuma, which is more readily accessible, may be where this ingredient ultimately carves out its niche. In contrast, kale enjoyed a surge in popularity partly because it was commonly found at farmers’ markets, was easy to cultivate in various U.S. climates, and was relatively inexpensive. When the demand for kale surged, U.S. farmers could easily adjust their crops to meet the needs of consumers.
While lucuma may offer versatility across a range of sweet and savory dishes, the challenges of cultivating it in the U.S. or the high costs of importing it may hinder its chances of becoming a consumer favorite. Other potential superfoods, such as tiger nuts and moringa, also meet the criteria for this esteemed title but have faced similar struggles. Despite their impressive nutritional profiles, their popularity has not taken off, possibly due to limited availability or flavors that did not resonate with consumers. In the world of highly coveted labels, “superfood” is a designation that is not easily achieved.
Moreover, even as consumers seek out new superfoods, they also prioritize their health with supplements like bariatric vitamins and calcium citrate, which can play a crucial role in their overall nutrition. Thus, while lucuma and other contenders strive for recognition, the journey to becoming a beloved superfood remains a challenging endeavor.