Lucuma Products
The popularity of Lucuma in Peru is so great that 26 villages are named after the fruit. Being favoured as the fruit of choice it has many uses as a sweet additive to many kinds of confectionary and cakes. At Indigo Herbs we are always interested in introducing new and unknown fruits for you to enjoy. Our pure Organic Lucuma Powder has a lovely sweet caramelised taste and can be blended into a breakfast smoothie or used in cooking sweet things.
Since 200 AD Lucuma has been cultivated by the Moche People of the Peruvian Highlands. Being a massive part of their diet it also became a part of the culture as a religious offering. Once known as ‘the gold of the Incas’, archaeological sites in the area have found ceramic depictions of the Lucuma fruit with clear illustrations of it being associated with fertility ceremonies. The fruit has spread throughout South America and is now grown in Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia. Drinks, cakes, pies, ice cream and many other foods have Lucuma as a flavouring. Being greatly enjoyed by a great many people this fruit is not only sweet but also very nutritious.
Growing best at altitudes between 4,500 and 10,000 feet; the Lucuma tree is drought resistant and doesn’t grow well at sea level. It is sensitive to frost and enjoys high humidity in which to produce the best yield of fruit. After 5 years of age, each tree is capable of producing up to 500 fruits over a year. The large yellowy-brown cone-shaped fruit may be up to 10cm long and weigh a kilogramme.
