Lucuma: Super Food of the Incas
Have you ever heard of Lucuma ice cream or lucuma cake? Probably not, but in certain South American countries it is more popular than vanilla or chocolate! Today lucuma powder is spreading across the globe as a luscious whole fruit sweetener for creating healthy, vegan and raw desserts. This rich and creamy powder is similar in taste to mango, and it adds a fresh sweetness to cakes, cookies, smoothies and raw chocolate. Personally, I use lucuma nearly everyday in chocolate and smoothies. It is such a beautiful golden color!
Gold of the Incas
This sweet fruit was once hailed the “Gold of the Incas,” where it has been cultivated since ancient times. It is native to the highlands of Peru, Chile and Ecuador. The lucuma tree is an evergreen which grows the fruit has been spiritually revered because of its taste and healing power.
Many South American cultures are steeped in traditional healthy foods and culinary delights. The lucmo tree was first seen and reported by Europeans in Ecuador in 1531. It has been found depicted on ceramics at burial sites of the indigenous people Peru by archaeologists. Today it is still a prominent feature in celebrations and life.
A Healthy Sweetener
Lucuma powder is an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is rich in iron, B2 and B1. It’s also high in niacin, which makes it a cholesterol and triglyceride balancer. and iron. It is also very high in beta carotene, which makes it a powerful immune system booster.
The fruit has a slightly breast like appearance and has been associated with fertility and nourishment by the cultures who have enjoyed it.
Naturally Sweet and Delicious
Lucuma has a uniquely sweet, fragrant and subtly maple-like taste that will bring your desserts to life without making your blood sugar levels skyrocket. This naturally occurring sweetener actually gives your body healing goodness unlike many sweeteners which offer empty calories and nothing of any value. Its low sugar content makes it a healthy alternative to sugar for people who have diabetes and other illnesses, as well as those growing numbers of people who want to enjoy delicious treats without destroying their health.
Because the lucuma fruit is so precious to South American countries, it is actually not allowed to be exported as a whole fruit. This is why the powder is becoming internationally popular. The powder can be used in so many ways to create delectable recipes.
Lucuma White Chocolate:
- 1 cup of cashew nuts (raw if possible)
- 1 cup of raw cacao butter
- 1 teaspoon of maca powder
- 2 dessertspoons of lucuma
- 2 dessertspoons of agave nectar
Grate the cacao butter, and put in a big bowl in a sink full of warm water. Once it’s melted, add all the other ingredients to it and stir well. Transfer everything to a high speed blender and blend until it is a thick creamy consistency. Pour into those rubbery ice cube moulds and put in the fridge to set.
Related Posts
