Lucuma

Topics: Peruvian cuisine

The lucuma (Pouteria lucuma) is a subtropical fruit of Andean origin (sometimes known as lucmo in English), native to the dry subtropical Andean coastal valleys of Peru, Ecuador, and introduced in Chile (Quillota and Petorca). It grows at temperate elevations, between 1,000-2,400 metres. The largest concentration of this fruit is found in the Peruvian regions of Cajamarca, Ancash, Lima, and Ayacucho. It has also grown well for centuries in southern Ecuador and Chile's northern coast. The fruit is very nutritious, having high levels of carotene and vitamin B3. The lucuma is exported all around the world. In some countries it is one of the most popular ice-cream flavors.

Lucuma is a popular flavoring for ice cream in its native range, and in Peru even exceeds the demand for more globally popular flavors such as strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla.

Lucuma 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 lucuma, in their art. Berrin, Katherine & Larco Museum. The Spirit of Ancient Peru:Treasures from the Museo Arqueologico Rafael Larco Herrera. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1997.