1- Introduction to the Species Pouteria lucuma - Lucuma tree
1.1- Scientific cassification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Sapotaceae
Subfamily: Chrysophylloideae
Genus: Pouteria Aubl.
Species: Pouteria lucuma (Ruiz & Pav.) Kuntze
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Sapotaceae
Subfamily: Chrysophylloideae
Genus: Pouteria Aubl.
Species: Pouteria lucuma (Ruiz & Pav.) Kuntze
1.2- Species Pouteria lucuma - Lucuma tree
+ Overview
The lúcuma (Pouteria lucuma) is a subtropical fruit in the genus Pouteria, in the subfamily Chrysophylloideae, in the family Sapotaceae of the order Ericales. It is native to the Andean valleys and produced in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador.
Lúcuma has been found on ceramics at burial sites of the indigenous people of coastal Peru. The Moche people had a fascination with agriculture and often chose to represent fruits and vegetables, including lúcuma, in their art.
In Peru, harvesting season is from October to March and in Chile from June to November.
+ Synonyms:
1- Lucuma obovata
2- Pouteria obovata
+ Overview
The lúcuma (Pouteria lucuma) is a subtropical fruit in the genus Pouteria, in the subfamily Chrysophylloideae, in the family Sapotaceae of the order Ericales. It is native to the Andean valleys and produced in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador.
Lúcuma has been found on ceramics at burial sites of the indigenous people of coastal Peru. The Moche people had a fascination with agriculture and often chose to represent fruits and vegetables, including lúcuma, in their art.
In Peru, harvesting season is from October to March and in Chile from June to November.
+ Synonyms:
1- Lucuma obovata
2- Pouteria obovata
2- Characteristics of the Species Pouteria lucuma (Ruiz&Pav.) Kuntze - Lucuma tree
2.1- Description
+ The plant
This is a handsome tree, small to moderately tall, with slightly leathery leaves.
This attractive tree ranges from 8-15 m (25 to 50 ft) in height, has a dense, rounded crown, velvety hairs on its young branchlets, and copious milky latex.
+ The leaves
The evergreen leaves, clustered at the tips of small branches, are obovate, oval or elliptic, blunt at the apex, pointed at the base, 12.5-25 cm (5 to 10 in) long; thin or slightly leathery; dark-green on the upper surface, pale and sometimes brown-hairy on the underside.
+ The flowers
The profuse flowers, borne singly or 2 or 3 together in the leaf axils, are tubular, yellowish-green, with hairy sepals and 5- to 7-lobed mouth about 1.25 cm (1/2 in) across.
The flowers are white, and narrowly tubular. The female style projects from the bud prior to the flower opening, possibly as a means of ensuring cross pollination. The male anthers are arranged around the 'mouth' of the flower 'tube'. Presumably they can then pollinate the female part, if it hasn't already been done.
+ The fruits
The fruit is oblate, ovate or elliptic, pointed or depressed at the apex; 7.5-10 cm (3 to 4 in) long, with thin, delicate skin, brownish-green more or less overlaid with russet, and bright-yellow, firm, dry, mealy, very sweet pulp, permeated with latex until almost overripe.
The fruit is generally large, "up to 1 kg" according to Fruitipdia. The tree with the biggest fruit here has some large fruit that weigh around 580 grams. Other trees have smaller fruit, around 350 grams.
+ The seeds
There may be 1 to 5, usually 2, rounded or broad-oval, dark-brown, glossy seeds with a whitish hilum on one flattish side.
The smaller fruit have 1 or 2 seeds, the larger fruit have more, up to 4. The seeds are large, with a shiny dark brown seed coat.
Even so, pulp makes up 64% to 82% of the fruit. Large fruit size doesn't necessarily indicate more seeds. Some 500 gram fruit only have 2 seeds, for example.
+ The plant
This is a handsome tree, small to moderately tall, with slightly leathery leaves.
This attractive tree ranges from 8-15 m (25 to 50 ft) in height, has a dense, rounded crown, velvety hairs on its young branchlets, and copious milky latex.
+ The leaves
The evergreen leaves, clustered at the tips of small branches, are obovate, oval or elliptic, blunt at the apex, pointed at the base, 12.5-25 cm (5 to 10 in) long; thin or slightly leathery; dark-green on the upper surface, pale and sometimes brown-hairy on the underside.
+ The flowers
The profuse flowers, borne singly or 2 or 3 together in the leaf axils, are tubular, yellowish-green, with hairy sepals and 5- to 7-lobed mouth about 1.25 cm (1/2 in) across.
The flowers are white, and narrowly tubular. The female style projects from the bud prior to the flower opening, possibly as a means of ensuring cross pollination. The male anthers are arranged around the 'mouth' of the flower 'tube'. Presumably they can then pollinate the female part, if it hasn't already been done.
+ The fruits
The fruit is oblate, ovate or elliptic, pointed or depressed at the apex; 7.5-10 cm (3 to 4 in) long, with thin, delicate skin, brownish-green more or less overlaid with russet, and bright-yellow, firm, dry, mealy, very sweet pulp, permeated with latex until almost overripe.
The fruit is generally large, "up to 1 kg" according to Fruitipdia. The tree with the biggest fruit here has some large fruit that weigh around 580 grams. Other trees have smaller fruit, around 350 grams.
+ The seeds
There may be 1 to 5, usually 2, rounded or broad-oval, dark-brown, glossy seeds with a whitish hilum on one flattish side.
The smaller fruit have 1 or 2 seeds, the larger fruit have more, up to 4. The seeds are large, with a shiny dark brown seed coat.
Even so, pulp makes up 64% to 82% of the fruit. Large fruit size doesn't necessarily indicate more seeds. Some 500 gram fruit only have 2 seeds, for example.
2.2- Origin and Distribution
+ Origin
The lúcuma (Pouteria lucuma) is native to the Andean valleys and produced in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador.
+ Distribution
The lúcuma (or pouteria lucuma) grows best at altitudes above 1,000 up to 2400 meters in the coastal Andean valleys of Peru, Chile and Ecuador.
It grows at temperate elevations between 2700-3000 metres. Temperatures of its elevated native range make the species technically subtropical, even though its native region is strictly tropical. Attempts at growing lúcuma in Florida's climate typically fail. In addition to Peru, the fruit is grown also to a limited extent in Bolivia and Costa Rica.
It grows well in most tropical regions, but is not widely favored.
+ Origin
The lúcuma (Pouteria lucuma) is native to the Andean valleys and produced in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador.
+ Distribution
The lúcuma (or pouteria lucuma) grows best at altitudes above 1,000 up to 2400 meters in the coastal Andean valleys of Peru, Chile and Ecuador.
It grows at temperate elevations between 2700-3000 metres. Temperatures of its elevated native range make the species technically subtropical, even though its native region is strictly tropical. Attempts at growing lúcuma in Florida's climate typically fail. In addition to Peru, the fruit is grown also to a limited extent in Bolivia and Costa Rica.
It grows well in most tropical regions, but is not widely favored.
2.3- Biological Characteristics
+ Climate and Soil Needs
- Climate Needs
This species is not tropical, but grows at temperate elevations-between 2,700-3,000 m (9,000 and 10,000 ft) in Peru. It is adapted to fairly dry locations.
The trees are adapted to the climate of the Andean low mountain ranges, which experience temperatures of 8oC to 27oC. The optimum range is 14oC to 24oC, which fits well with the north Auckland climate - certainly, the trees seem well adapted to conditions here. Air frosts are extremely rare here, but the Peruvian information is that it "does not tolerate heavy frosts, and can die with temperatures below 5oC".
- Soil Needs
Peruvian information says the tree will grow across a wide range of soil types, including somewhat calcareous or even slightly saline soils, so long as the soil is fairly well drained. Most of the seedlings here have grown well in an area of tight sandy-clay. This is a very damp soil in places, and several trees have succumbed (or are slow-motion succumbing) to Phytopthora. The others are healthy.
+ Climate and Soil Needs
- Climate Needs
This species is not tropical, but grows at temperate elevations-between 2,700-3,000 m (9,000 and 10,000 ft) in Peru. It is adapted to fairly dry locations.
The trees are adapted to the climate of the Andean low mountain ranges, which experience temperatures of 8oC to 27oC. The optimum range is 14oC to 24oC, which fits well with the north Auckland climate - certainly, the trees seem well adapted to conditions here. Air frosts are extremely rare here, but the Peruvian information is that it "does not tolerate heavy frosts, and can die with temperatures below 5oC".
- Soil Needs
Peruvian information says the tree will grow across a wide range of soil types, including somewhat calcareous or even slightly saline soils, so long as the soil is fairly well drained. Most of the seedlings here have grown well in an area of tight sandy-clay. This is a very damp soil in places, and several trees have succumbed (or are slow-motion succumbing) to Phytopthora. The others are healthy.
+ Propagation
1- Seed propagation
Seedling trees are available from time to time from garden centres and from specialist nurseries such as Edible Gardens in Kumeu, Auckland. The Ecuadorian seedlings, introduced in 1982, did not commence fruiting until 1994, a period of 12 years. However, these are Ecuadorian seed, are unselected, and the trees are growing in unfavorable conditions. Others who have grown the plant from seed outside its native environment also report a 12 to 15 year period before the first flowering, then two years to the first fruit set.
Fresh seeds germinate in about a week or so, and the shoot generally appears about 2 weeks later. It can take as long as 3 months for a shoot to emerge.
The more mature the seed, the faster the germination (all else equal). The seed loses viability if it dries out, so should be sown as near fresh as possible. Some claim germination is faster if the shiny hard seed coat is removed.
2- Graft propagation
Experience in New Zealand from Government cultivar introductions in the 1980's is that grafted plants will commence flowering in around 4-5 years from planting out in fertile, well drained soils. The grafted plants at LandsEndt commenced fruiting 5 years after planting out, and the literature says that some grafted plants start fruiting in the 5th year, but reliable fruiting only starts after the 6th year.This is still better than seedlings. There are no recognized rootstocks, so any seedling lucuma is used. If you have access to scionwood of good types, you can try grafting it to seedlings. Seedlings should be about pencil thickness, which might take around 8 months or so from planting seeds.
It was tried some simple terminal 'wedge' grafts in summer (late december), and of the 5 attempts, 1 succeeded. The graft union is not very good, but the tree is 8 months old now (2013), and seems OK.
Scionwood bleeds a sticky white latex when it is cut from the tree. I washed it off best I could before grafting. Whether this is the 'right' thing to do or not, I don't know. There are some hints that at a certain time of year the sap doesn't flow as strongly, and this is the best time to graft. Sadly, there is no mention of when that time would be! Grafting in winter (July), when wood is is mature has been successful provided it is done in greenhouse conditions [B. King pers. comm 2014].
If the winter is warm (as 2014 is) seedling lucuma growing outside in planter bags may start new terminal growth in mid july. This might fit nicely with mid winter grafting, especially if newly grafted plants can be given some protection, even is not full glasshouse conditions.
There is a method (Gardiazabal and Valenzuela 1984) of grafting "cuttings" onto the long emerging root of germinating lucuma seeds, but details are scant. The principle is to germinate the seeds, cut off the thick white root, split it, and place a wedge of a tip of the chosen variety into the slit made in the root.
The seed is then re-potted 'upside down' so the root with the branch tip is sticking up in the air. Any little laterals coming off the base of the thick main root are buried, as are other subsidiary roots, although these may need to be taped so they change direction to point to the 'new down'.
It was grafted the seeds on the left about September, and left them enclosed in a plastic bag in damp vermiculite. Every terminal scion succumbed to fungal infection, but almost every single one had made a strong union with the root within 2 weeks. The technique seems promising, so long as fungi are controlled in the humid conditions.
1- Seed propagation
Seedling trees are available from time to time from garden centres and from specialist nurseries such as Edible Gardens in Kumeu, Auckland. The Ecuadorian seedlings, introduced in 1982, did not commence fruiting until 1994, a period of 12 years. However, these are Ecuadorian seed, are unselected, and the trees are growing in unfavorable conditions. Others who have grown the plant from seed outside its native environment also report a 12 to 15 year period before the first flowering, then two years to the first fruit set.
Fresh seeds germinate in about a week or so, and the shoot generally appears about 2 weeks later. It can take as long as 3 months for a shoot to emerge.
The more mature the seed, the faster the germination (all else equal). The seed loses viability if it dries out, so should be sown as near fresh as possible. Some claim germination is faster if the shiny hard seed coat is removed.
2- Graft propagation
Experience in New Zealand from Government cultivar introductions in the 1980's is that grafted plants will commence flowering in around 4-5 years from planting out in fertile, well drained soils. The grafted plants at LandsEndt commenced fruiting 5 years after planting out, and the literature says that some grafted plants start fruiting in the 5th year, but reliable fruiting only starts after the 6th year.This is still better than seedlings. There are no recognized rootstocks, so any seedling lucuma is used. If you have access to scionwood of good types, you can try grafting it to seedlings. Seedlings should be about pencil thickness, which might take around 8 months or so from planting seeds.
It was tried some simple terminal 'wedge' grafts in summer (late december), and of the 5 attempts, 1 succeeded. The graft union is not very good, but the tree is 8 months old now (2013), and seems OK.
Scionwood bleeds a sticky white latex when it is cut from the tree. I washed it off best I could before grafting. Whether this is the 'right' thing to do or not, I don't know. There are some hints that at a certain time of year the sap doesn't flow as strongly, and this is the best time to graft. Sadly, there is no mention of when that time would be! Grafting in winter (July), when wood is is mature has been successful provided it is done in greenhouse conditions [B. King pers. comm 2014].
If the winter is warm (as 2014 is) seedling lucuma growing outside in planter bags may start new terminal growth in mid july. This might fit nicely with mid winter grafting, especially if newly grafted plants can be given some protection, even is not full glasshouse conditions.
There is a method (Gardiazabal and Valenzuela 1984) of grafting "cuttings" onto the long emerging root of germinating lucuma seeds, but details are scant. The principle is to germinate the seeds, cut off the thick white root, split it, and place a wedge of a tip of the chosen variety into the slit made in the root.
The seed is then re-potted 'upside down' so the root with the branch tip is sticking up in the air. Any little laterals coming off the base of the thick main root are buried, as are other subsidiary roots, although these may need to be taped so they change direction to point to the 'new down'.
It was grafted the seeds on the left about September, and left them enclosed in a plastic bag in damp vermiculite. Every terminal scion succumbed to fungal infection, but almost every single one had made a strong union with the root within 2 weeks. The technique seems promising, so long as fungi are controlled in the humid conditions.
3- Cutting propagation
The literature also refers to propagation by both cuttings and by marcottage. Cutting grown trees of 'Molina' were very briefly available from a specialist nursery, but I have never seen them on offer again. Pity. My little tree of 'Molina' was crushed within its chicken wire protective sleeve by a malevolent sheep.
"Up to" 80% rooting of terminal leafy cuttings has been obtained under mist when the cuttings were treated with NAA plant rooting hormone at the rate of 4,000 to 8,000 ppm. Another report from this researcher in 1992 described taking terminal leafy cuttings from actively growing branches, treating them with 4,000 ppm of NAA, and placing them in a mix of equal parts of sand, peat, and styrofoam chips in wooden trays. The cuttings did not have mist, but were fully enclosed in a polythene 'tent' and put in 50% shade. Rooting started after 50 days, and the ultimate 'strike rate' was around 80%.
The literature also refers to propagation by both cuttings and by marcottage. Cutting grown trees of 'Molina' were very briefly available from a specialist nursery, but I have never seen them on offer again. Pity. My little tree of 'Molina' was crushed within its chicken wire protective sleeve by a malevolent sheep.
"Up to" 80% rooting of terminal leafy cuttings has been obtained under mist when the cuttings were treated with NAA plant rooting hormone at the rate of 4,000 to 8,000 ppm. Another report from this researcher in 1992 described taking terminal leafy cuttings from actively growing branches, treating them with 4,000 ppm of NAA, and placing them in a mix of equal parts of sand, peat, and styrofoam chips in wooden trays. The cuttings did not have mist, but were fully enclosed in a polythene 'tent' and put in 50% shade. Rooting started after 50 days, and the ultimate 'strike rate' was around 80%.
2.4- Nutrition of Lucuma fruit
According to 'The Lucuma', lucuma fruit have a relatively high protein content of 1.5% to 2.4% by weight. The flesh contains 25 grams of carbohydrate per 100 grams. The sugar component of the carbohydrates are 8.4 grams of glucose, 4.7 grams of fructose, 1.7 grams of sucrose, and 0.06 grams of inositol. Prior to maturity, there is only sucrose present, and this is gradually converted to other sugars in the process of ripening.
On a per 100 gram fresh pulp basis, lucuma fruit have about 2.3mg of carotene, about 2mg of niacin, 0.14 grams riboflavin (B2), and 0.01 grams thiamine (B1). Lucuma fruit have over three times the amount of niacin than apples (for example) have, but significantly less of the other B vitamins than apple.
Lucuma fruit contain trivial amounts of vitamin C, about 2.2 milligrams. (A mango, for comparison has around 63 to 158 mg per 100 grams of pulp, depending on variety.)
Like banana, lucuma has relatively high values for dietary fibre, mainly insoluble dieatary fibre.
Only limited nutritional information is available and only for lúcuma powder, indicating moderate content of protein and iron, each providing 14% of the Daily Value in a 100 gram serving which supplies 420 calories.
According to 'The Lucuma', lucuma fruit have a relatively high protein content of 1.5% to 2.4% by weight. The flesh contains 25 grams of carbohydrate per 100 grams. The sugar component of the carbohydrates are 8.4 grams of glucose, 4.7 grams of fructose, 1.7 grams of sucrose, and 0.06 grams of inositol. Prior to maturity, there is only sucrose present, and this is gradually converted to other sugars in the process of ripening.
On a per 100 gram fresh pulp basis, lucuma fruit have about 2.3mg of carotene, about 2mg of niacin, 0.14 grams riboflavin (B2), and 0.01 grams thiamine (B1). Lucuma fruit have over three times the amount of niacin than apples (for example) have, but significantly less of the other B vitamins than apple.
Lucuma fruit contain trivial amounts of vitamin C, about 2.2 milligrams. (A mango, for comparison has around 63 to 158 mg per 100 grams of pulp, depending on variety.)
Like banana, lucuma has relatively high values for dietary fibre, mainly insoluble dieatary fibre.
Only limited nutritional information is available and only for lúcuma powder, indicating moderate content of protein and iron, each providing 14% of the Daily Value in a 100 gram serving which supplies 420 calories.
2.5- Health Benefits of Lucuma fruit
+ Introduction
Lucuma, scientifically known as Pouteria lucuma has its origins in Peru and is considered to be one of the several super foods. The flesh of this fruit resembles the consistency of the yolk of a hardboiled egg and hence is also called egg fruit. Lucuma tastes very sweet, similar to the taste of sweet potato and maple, and in many places, it is widely used as a sweetening agent in food items like ice cream. Outside of peru, Lucuma is mostly available in the form of Lucuma powder. The powder is obtained by dehydrating the inner pulp of the fruit. This subtropical fruit is ovoid in shape with green colored skin and yellow-orange colored flesh.
Lucuma is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and protein, which makes the fruit extremely beneficial for your health and well being. According to a report that has been published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in the year 2009, regular intake of lucuma may help in reducing high blood pressure and in managing diabetes. Lucuma, has also been referred to as the Gold of Incas by the Peruvians, who have been enjoying this fruit as a food source from time immemorial. For them, lucuma is also a symbol of fertility. Lucuma forms an indispensible element in many of their traditional celebrations too. They even have about 26 villages named after this exotic fruit. An interesting fact about the lucuma tree is that it takes almost five years to produce its first fruit. But once this happens, the tree will then be able to bear as much as 500 fruits each season. Usually, when other kinds of crops fail, people used to depend on lucuma for their food. As such, the lucuma tree also has the name ‘Tree of Life’.
+ Introduction
Lucuma, scientifically known as Pouteria lucuma has its origins in Peru and is considered to be one of the several super foods. The flesh of this fruit resembles the consistency of the yolk of a hardboiled egg and hence is also called egg fruit. Lucuma tastes very sweet, similar to the taste of sweet potato and maple, and in many places, it is widely used as a sweetening agent in food items like ice cream. Outside of peru, Lucuma is mostly available in the form of Lucuma powder. The powder is obtained by dehydrating the inner pulp of the fruit. This subtropical fruit is ovoid in shape with green colored skin and yellow-orange colored flesh.
Lucuma is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and protein, which makes the fruit extremely beneficial for your health and well being. According to a report that has been published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in the year 2009, regular intake of lucuma may help in reducing high blood pressure and in managing diabetes. Lucuma, has also been referred to as the Gold of Incas by the Peruvians, who have been enjoying this fruit as a food source from time immemorial. For them, lucuma is also a symbol of fertility. Lucuma forms an indispensible element in many of their traditional celebrations too. They even have about 26 villages named after this exotic fruit. An interesting fact about the lucuma tree is that it takes almost five years to produce its first fruit. But once this happens, the tree will then be able to bear as much as 500 fruits each season. Usually, when other kinds of crops fail, people used to depend on lucuma for their food. As such, the lucuma tree also has the name ‘Tree of Life’.
+ The 12 Health benefits of Lucuma fruit
Being a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants, Lucuma is highly beneficial to us in many ways.
1- Lucuma in treatment of diabetes
In spite of the fact that lucuma tastes very sweet and is used as a sweetening agent, it is found to be very effective in managing diabetes. This fruit falls in the category of foods with a low glycemic index and hence is suitable for people suffering from diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar levels and provides energy without causing considerable spikes or falls in the sugar levels.
2- Lucuma prevents weight gain
Just like most of the fruits, lucuma is also an excellent source of fiber. The advantage of eating fiber rich foods is that they have fewer calories and they make you feel full for a longer period of time. This prevents you from frequent snacking and overeating, which is very important when it comes to weight management.
3- Lucuma improves digestive health
The high content of fiber in lucuma helps in normalizing your bowel movements, thus preventing constipation. Fiber adds volume to your stool, making it easy to pass through the digestive tract. A diet rich in fibers is known to reduce the risk of many problems related to the digestive system such as stomach ulcers, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD).
4- Lucuma promotes wound healing
Studies suggest that lucuma has both antifungal and antibiotic properties. It has been found to be highly effective in tissue regeneration and in wound closure. Lucuma nut oil when applied to the affected area helps to speed up the healing process.
5- Lucuma and cancer
Lucuma has been found to prevent some types of cancers. The antioxidants in this fruit fight against the free radicals that are harmful to your body. These toxins have been associated with causing many health problems including cancer.
6- Lucuma boosts your immune system
The nutrients and antioxidants in lucuma have the power to boost your immune system and protect you from many of the serious diseases.
Being a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants, Lucuma is highly beneficial to us in many ways.
1- Lucuma in treatment of diabetes
In spite of the fact that lucuma tastes very sweet and is used as a sweetening agent, it is found to be very effective in managing diabetes. This fruit falls in the category of foods with a low glycemic index and hence is suitable for people suffering from diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar levels and provides energy without causing considerable spikes or falls in the sugar levels.
2- Lucuma prevents weight gain
Just like most of the fruits, lucuma is also an excellent source of fiber. The advantage of eating fiber rich foods is that they have fewer calories and they make you feel full for a longer period of time. This prevents you from frequent snacking and overeating, which is very important when it comes to weight management.
3- Lucuma improves digestive health
The high content of fiber in lucuma helps in normalizing your bowel movements, thus preventing constipation. Fiber adds volume to your stool, making it easy to pass through the digestive tract. A diet rich in fibers is known to reduce the risk of many problems related to the digestive system such as stomach ulcers, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD).
4- Lucuma promotes wound healing
Studies suggest that lucuma has both antifungal and antibiotic properties. It has been found to be highly effective in tissue regeneration and in wound closure. Lucuma nut oil when applied to the affected area helps to speed up the healing process.
5- Lucuma and cancer
Lucuma has been found to prevent some types of cancers. The antioxidants in this fruit fight against the free radicals that are harmful to your body. These toxins have been associated with causing many health problems including cancer.
6- Lucuma boosts your immune system
The nutrients and antioxidants in lucuma have the power to boost your immune system and protect you from many of the serious diseases.
7- Benefits of Lucuma for skin
Because of the excellent anti-inflammatory qualities of lucuma, it is used for healing abrasions and wounds of the skin. It also has the ability to reduce the effects of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Lucuma is rich in beta-carotene that promotes the growth and repair of cells, which in turn reduces the signs of aging. Beta-carotene also acts as a sunscreen, protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
8- Benefits for Lucuma for bones
Lucuma contains a significant amount of calcium and phosphorus that provides strength to the bones. Both these minerals are essential for the growth of your bones and also for keeping them healthy and strong.
9- Lucuma lowers cholesterol
It has been found that lucuma has the ability to reduce the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL) in your blood and reduce the risks of stroke and heart attack.
10- Lucuma helps to improve your mood
Lucuma is known to have the power to help you relax by balancing the hormone levels and also by managing conditions like stress, mood swings, anxiety and depression.
11- Lucuma provides energy
Lucuma is a fantastic fruit that is full of healthy carbohydrates. These carbohydrates, in addition to providing fuel and energy for your day to day activities, help in improving the functioning of your nervous system too.
12- Lucuma for muscle building
Proper nutrition and exercise are the two things that can help you build your muscles the natural way. Lucuma has been found to help in muscle building. This fruit, being rich in antioxidants offers you vitality. The high content of iron in lucuma helps to reduce fatigue so that you can recover from the muscle building exercise routines at a much faster rate. Muscle building depends to a great extent on the strength of your bones. The abundance of minerals like calcium and phosphorus in lucuma not only increases bone strength but also improves blood circulation.
Source: Health benefits of Lucuma | Value Food
Because of the excellent anti-inflammatory qualities of lucuma, it is used for healing abrasions and wounds of the skin. It also has the ability to reduce the effects of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Lucuma is rich in beta-carotene that promotes the growth and repair of cells, which in turn reduces the signs of aging. Beta-carotene also acts as a sunscreen, protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
8- Benefits for Lucuma for bones
Lucuma contains a significant amount of calcium and phosphorus that provides strength to the bones. Both these minerals are essential for the growth of your bones and also for keeping them healthy and strong.
9- Lucuma lowers cholesterol
It has been found that lucuma has the ability to reduce the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL) in your blood and reduce the risks of stroke and heart attack.
10- Lucuma helps to improve your mood
Lucuma is known to have the power to help you relax by balancing the hormone levels and also by managing conditions like stress, mood swings, anxiety and depression.
11- Lucuma provides energy
Lucuma is a fantastic fruit that is full of healthy carbohydrates. These carbohydrates, in addition to providing fuel and energy for your day to day activities, help in improving the functioning of your nervous system too.
12- Lucuma for muscle building
Proper nutrition and exercise are the two things that can help you build your muscles the natural way. Lucuma has been found to help in muscle building. This fruit, being rich in antioxidants offers you vitality. The high content of iron in lucuma helps to reduce fatigue so that you can recover from the muscle building exercise routines at a much faster rate. Muscle building depends to a great extent on the strength of your bones. The abundance of minerals like calcium and phosphorus in lucuma not only increases bone strength but also improves blood circulation.
Source: Health benefits of Lucuma | Value Food
3- The Uses of Lucuma fruit
3.1- Food Uses
+ Lucuma Fruit As Super Food
The fruit is eaten raw, out-of-hand, when fully ripe but Costa Ricans find that, though the flavor is appealing at first, one soon finds it repulsive because of the peculiar aftertaste. The lucmo has been stewed in sirup, used as pie-filling, and made into preserves. Currently, some fruits are being shipped from Chile to England where they are being used in making ice cream. A dehydrated, powdered product is being produced by a tomato cannery in Peru.
Historically, the trees have provided food in times of shortage of other crops, so can be seen as 'insurance' against crop failure. It has only ever been used to any extent in South America, but there is increasing interest in the fruit as a natural ingredient.
Villages in Ecuador and Peru have traditionally had one or more trees by houses or in the vicinity of the settlement, but it is not common in the marketplace.
Due to its high nutritional value, it was once referred as the Gold of the Incas and it has been an important crop since ancestral times. This is proven by the many ceramic remains from the Moche and later Inca cultures.
This starchy fruit is high in iron, niacin or vitamin B3, carotenoids, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Lucuma powder can be easily added to smoothies or used in desserts such as puddings, creams, cakes, cookie, etc…
+ Lucuma Fruit As Super Food
The fruit is eaten raw, out-of-hand, when fully ripe but Costa Ricans find that, though the flavor is appealing at first, one soon finds it repulsive because of the peculiar aftertaste. The lucmo has been stewed in sirup, used as pie-filling, and made into preserves. Currently, some fruits are being shipped from Chile to England where they are being used in making ice cream. A dehydrated, powdered product is being produced by a tomato cannery in Peru.
Historically, the trees have provided food in times of shortage of other crops, so can be seen as 'insurance' against crop failure. It has only ever been used to any extent in South America, but there is increasing interest in the fruit as a natural ingredient.
Villages in Ecuador and Peru have traditionally had one or more trees by houses or in the vicinity of the settlement, but it is not common in the marketplace.
Due to its high nutritional value, it was once referred as the Gold of the Incas and it has been an important crop since ancestral times. This is proven by the many ceramic remains from the Moche and later Inca cultures.
This starchy fruit is high in iron, niacin or vitamin B3, carotenoids, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Lucuma powder can be easily added to smoothies or used in desserts such as puddings, creams, cakes, cookie, etc…
+ Fresh lucuma is the best!
It’s tasty starchy flesh melts in your mouth with a custardy like flavor. If you are luck to be in Peru during the summer months, from January to April, you can find it in most markets. Also many specialty ice cream shops usually make their own using fresh Lucuma which is the best. You have to try it!
Finding fresh Lucuma in the US: To our knowledge commercial plantations of lucuma are mostly found in Peru and Chile. Since the lucuma fruit ripens quickly and is delicate, exporting it fresh has proven challenging so we don't it is yet available in the US. Although there are rumors that some growers in California and Hawaii are trying it or so we hope.
+ Frozen Lucuma
The best next option to fresh fruit is finding it frozen! Here in Florida, we discovered a great source for the frozen pulp at our local Latin American mini mart. With this fruit pulp mixed with a little vanilla ice-cream, we make yummy shakes!
It’s tasty starchy flesh melts in your mouth with a custardy like flavor. If you are luck to be in Peru during the summer months, from January to April, you can find it in most markets. Also many specialty ice cream shops usually make their own using fresh Lucuma which is the best. You have to try it!
Finding fresh Lucuma in the US: To our knowledge commercial plantations of lucuma are mostly found in Peru and Chile. Since the lucuma fruit ripens quickly and is delicate, exporting it fresh has proven challenging so we don't it is yet available in the US. Although there are rumors that some growers in California and Hawaii are trying it or so we hope.
+ Frozen Lucuma
The best next option to fresh fruit is finding it frozen! Here in Florida, we discovered a great source for the frozen pulp at our local Latin American mini mart. With this fruit pulp mixed with a little vanilla ice-cream, we make yummy shakes!
+ Lucuma ice cream
Lucuma ice cream is a Peruvian favorite!
In Peru, the lucuma ice cream ranks as #1 in popularity before even the well known vanilla and chocolate flavors!
With Peruvian food gaining popularity as one of the most flavorful and rich cuisines of the planet, Peruvian restaurants are popping everywhere. So if you happen to visit one, make sure to ask if they serve Lucuma ice-cream!
+ Dried Organic Lucuma Powder
The bulk of the Lucuma production is found in dehydrated form with only a small percentage reaching the local markets to be consumed fresh. Once dehydrated, the lucuma powder (or flour) is mainly sold as flavoring for ice creams and nutritional supplement.
Luckily today it is relatively easy to find lucuma powder in the US (and most likely also in other countries) and these are just a few online places!
Lucuma ice cream is a Peruvian favorite!
In Peru, the lucuma ice cream ranks as #1 in popularity before even the well known vanilla and chocolate flavors!
With Peruvian food gaining popularity as one of the most flavorful and rich cuisines of the planet, Peruvian restaurants are popping everywhere. So if you happen to visit one, make sure to ask if they serve Lucuma ice-cream!
+ Dried Organic Lucuma Powder
The bulk of the Lucuma production is found in dehydrated form with only a small percentage reaching the local markets to be consumed fresh. Once dehydrated, the lucuma powder (or flour) is mainly sold as flavoring for ice creams and nutritional supplement.
Luckily today it is relatively easy to find lucuma powder in the US (and most likely also in other countries) and these are just a few online places!
Edited by Ho Dinh Hai
Long An - Vietnam
References
1- http://www.worldwidefruits.com
2- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/orders-of-plants.html
3- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/order-ericales.html
4- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ericales
5- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/family-sapotaceae.html
6- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/subfamily-chrysophylloideae.html
7- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/genus-pouteria.html
8- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pouteria
9- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pouteria_lucuma
Long An - Vietnam
References
1- http://www.worldwidefruits.com
2- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/orders-of-plants.html
3- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/order-ericales.html
4- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ericales
5- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/family-sapotaceae.html
6- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/subfamily-chrysophylloideae.html
7- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/genus-pouteria.html
8- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pouteria
9- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pouteria_lucuma
See Video about: Favorite Fruit || Lucuma
See Video about: Lucuma Review - Weird Fruit Explorer Ep 202
See Video about: Lucuma Tree and Fruit
