I did a search for ‘natural organic superfoods’; I was looking for different ingredients that I could add to smoothies. I especially wanted two different things: something without sugar that would make them taste sweeter, and also something that would make them thicker or creamier.
And I found the Lucuma fruit, which when made into a powder seemed to be just what I wanted.
Lucuma powder was used in one recipe that described it as having a sweet and rich maple flavor, and what was made was called thick like a pudding.
When used in a different recipe, Lucuma was described as having a carmel flavor and good for thickening smoothies.
It was further said to be a natural sweetener that had a very low glycemic index, making it safe for diabetics.
Benefits Of Lucuma Powder
Well, it looked like I may have had found what I wanted. But I needed to know more about Lucuma powder, and why it was on a superfoods list that included Chia, Hemp, Goji Berries, Maca, and Cacoa.
When I searched further, I found a good article on the nutritional health benefits of Lucuma powder, where I learned the following:
- Lucuma powder is made from a subtropical fruit that is found in Peru, Ecuador, and Chile
- Lucuma powder is gluten free and is a highly nutritious food that includes fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – it has a relatively high amount of beta-carotene, vitamin B3, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and iron
- Lucuma was shown in a study to have anti-inflammatory properties that were significant in the closing of wounds and regenerating new tissue
http://www.livestrong.com/article/479259-benefits-of-lucuma-powder/
Organic Raw Lucuma Powder
So, I am happy with the nutritional profile and characteristics of Lucuma powder, and decided to get some. I am going to try it in smoothies, and in a homemade almond milk recipe. I am also going to make a ‘frosting’ for a baked protein recipe, using the following:
Almond Lucuma Frosting
- 1 cup of almonds that have been soaked for a couple of hours
- 2 tbsp lucuma powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup almond milk
- Blend in vitamix until creamy – and wish me luck
It was good that Navitas Naturals, and a company that I get a number of nutrient rich organic whole foods from, also had Lucuma – here is some additional information and a video:
The Power of Lucuma
Lucuma is considered a healthy alternative sweetener as it lends a sweet taste to recipes, but is very low in sugars. With naturally occurring beta-carotene, niacin, and iron, lucuma powder is a welcome antidote to notorious “empty calorie” sweeteners.
Whole Fruit Sweetener
Navitas Naturals Lucuma Powder has a distinctively sweet fragrance and full-bodied, maple-like taste. A deliciously versatile dessert ingredient, lucuma blends well to make alluring smoothies, puddings, and ice creams, and can also be used as a flour in exotic pies and pastries.
About Barry Lutz
