This Natural Superfood Sweetener is Full of Fiber and Minerals and Tastes Delicious
The Lucuma may just be the most powerful superfood you’ve never heard of. With its natural maple-like flavor and plethora of health benefits, the delicious and nutritious fruit is a favorite in its native countries Peru and Chile, and is slowly becoming more and more popular around the world.
Often dubbed a “superfruit,” whole lucuma fruits cam be tough to come by outside of where they’re grown. Due to the delicate, easily-damaged skin — which is green and resembles an orange avocado on the inside — it is mostly exported in powder form. It can also be sold as part of a processed dish like ice cream, baked goods, or preserves.
Lucuma powder is an excellent source of fiber, minerals, and beta-carotene (provitamin A), according to Postharvest Biology and Technology of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits. Considering many folks say the fruit tastes like caramel or maple, it’s not surprising that it’s used as a natural sweetener.
But not all sweeteners are rich in fiber, that’s for sure. Just two tiny teaspoons of the powder offers two full grams of fiber — imagine how much you could add to your favorite smoothie blend in the morning! The powder also mixes well with yogurt, ice cream, pies, cakes, and other health-ified desserts.
Experts say lucuma powder also boasts an impressive amount of potassium and calcium, which is always a plus if you’re trying to supercharge your food with more minerals. Aside from the nutritional value of lucuma powder, it may be particularly beneficial if you’re trying to cut down on your sugar intake (there’s just one gram of sugar per two teaspoons). Sounds pretty sweet to us!
If you’re interested in adding lucuma powder to your drinks or dishes, you can try out some popular brands available online, such as Terrasoul Superfoods Lucuma Powder ($14.24, Amazon), Navitas Organics Lucuma Powder ($8.56, Amazon), or Sprout Living Epic Protein Powder, Vanilla Lucuma Flavor ($26.96, Amazon). You might also try perusing your local vitamin or health food store to see if they carry any other lucuma powder options.
Who knows? If you like the powder enough, maybe you’ll come up with your own unique recipe that’s all your own!
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