Features And Benefits Of Lucuma Fruit
Maybe you’ve never heard of lucuma (it’s a fruit). Lucuma comes from a tree that grows in Peruvian lands. In fact, it is a very popular fruit, which people use to make all kinds of desserts. This is due to its refined aroma. Read on to discover the features and benefits of lucuma fruit!
The resemblance of the avocado fruit is striking. In fact, both fruits have a green skin and a large stone inside. But lucuma is a fleshy fruit with a yellow-orange color on the inside. It has many health benefits, which we will detail below.
The origin and uses of the lucuma fruit
Lucuma, as mentioned above, comes from a tree: Pouteria lucumo. Its main features are the large size and light color of the wood.
The tree originates from the Andean valleys and grows in a temperate climate. It also does not require constant or excessive watering and, for this reason, adapts well to drought.
People pick lucuma from trees and eat it perfectly cooked. To ensure proper preservation, I wrap it in protective materials as soon as I pick it up. Its aroma is sweet and similar to maple syrup. For this reason, people use lucuma in pastries.
The benefits of lucuma fruit
This fruit has a high content of iron, beta-carotene and niacin. Its regular consumption means many health benefits associated with the consumption of these nutrients.
Despite the fact that the iron it contains is of plant origin and therefore has a lower assimilation rate, it has been shown that the intake of lucuma reduces the risk of developing pathologies such as anemia. Usually, people should consume iron with a dose of vitamin C to increase its absorption.
We must also highlight the presence of beta-carotene in lucuma. These nutrients are active forms of vitamin A. In addition, this vitamin reduces the risk of developing certain complex diseases, such as those that occur in the liver (according to research published in the journal Nutrition and Health) .
Similarly, we must mention the niacin content of the lucuma fruit. The scientific literature claims that this substance has beneficial effects in preventing dyslipidemia when administered in appropriate doses. It is a water-soluble vitamin, so you should consume it daily.
In short, the regular inclusion of lucuma fruit in the diet can:
How to eat lucuma?
In many countries, it is difficult to find lucuma, because the fruit is usually sold only in certain states in South America. However, if you can get this fruit, we do not advise you to eat raw pulp. It is better to cook it a little to enjoy its organoleptic qualities.
In addition, lucuma pulp has a high starch content, so you can add it in shakes and sweet sauces. Usually, most dishes that contain lucuma are sweet, although there are also salty foods based on this fruit.
The benefits of lucuma fruit: a sweet and rare fruit
As mentioned above, lucuma is a fruit from South America that grows under certain climatic conditions. People consume lucuma when it is well cooked and easy to process. Rarely, some people eat raw fruit.
Regular intake of lucuma offers many health benefits, as the fruit contains micronutrients essential for the proper functioning of the body. In fact, lucuma can improve liver function.
As always, use lucuma in moderation, as it has a high sugar content. Therefore, it is best to start consuming it in the context of a well-balanced diet.
The pulp of this fruit is a healthy option to replace refined sugars in desserts. Lucuma will give texture and an intense and sweet aroma, similar to that of maple syrup. Add lucuma to cream soups, ice cream, cakes and even shakes. It goes well with bitter cocoa and other ingredients typical of pastry recipes.
