I am always on the look out for new fruits, and if there’s a health benefit to eating it then that is even better news. Lucuma or commonly called “eggfruit” is one such fruit. It is native to the cool Andean highland coast, especially in Peru. It is also a popular fruit in Chile.
When the lucuma is ripe, it has a nice orange color. Such a pretty looking fruit, if not tasty as well! Photo from Living in Peru.
“tastes like maple syrup. very mealy - no juice at all.” - The Black Azar. This would make a good and filling snack. Photo from Flickr.
It’s consider to be South American’s most precious fruit. Lucuma powder is usually exported to European and South American markets. The powders are used to flavor ice cream and other desserts. The powder is also available online at about $15 for 1 lb.
The fruit is low in sugar but has a sweet flavor. It’s been described to be sweet, fragrant and subtly maple-like in flavor. And some say taste similar to caramel too.
The fruit has been shown to grown successfully in Hawaii and Mexico. This species is not tropical, but grows at temperate elevations in Peru. It can also adapt to dry locations.
