Another day another superfood. However, this one caught our eye for a totally different reason – it’s the most popular ice-cream flavour in Peru. Yes, a superfood that is a dessert. Lucuma is a yellow South American fruit that looks a bit like the love child of a sweet potato and avocado, but don’t let that put you off. It’s full of antioxidants, fibre, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It is often consumed in powder form and can be added to sweet-flavoured dishes and smoothies.
Lucuma is most commonly known as the “Gold of the Incas” as they were huge fans, apparently. Lucuma can be consumed in fruit juice, milkshakes and ice cream because of its dry nature. According to reports, it tastes like a cross between sweet potato and maple. It’s also gluten-free, if you weren’t already on board. Not only is it packed full of all things good for you, it also has a super low Glycaemic index, meaning it’s perfect as a healthy sweetener. It is said to help stabilise blood sugar while also curbing cravings and appetite. A study at Rutgers University found that lucuma extract had an anti-inflammatory effect on would healing and skin ageing. It is also known to boost your immune system and has natural antibiotic and antimicrobial properties.
However, there has been no FDA confirmation as yet that this new superfood, is actually a new superfood. We shouldn’t have to wait too long though, as Incans and Peruvians have been using lucuma for its medicinal properties for centuries. It’s tough to find fresh lucuma outside of South America as its delicate nature makes it difficult to export but you can find it in powder form in the UK. You can use lucuma powder as a sugar substitute for desserts such as custard and ice cream or add it into your smoothies and protein shakes. We love the idea of lucuma ice cream though, so here’s a recipe that gives you an excuse to have ice cream for breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Lucuma Powder
- 1 Cup Cashews
- 1 Tbsp Vanilla Powder
- 1/4 Cup Agave Nectar
- 1 Cup Pure Water
- Pinch Kalahari Salt (optional)
Method
- Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth
- Pour into a container and put in the freezer overnight
- Scoop into a bowl and enjoy!
Holly Martin
recipe from sunfood.com
