Lucuma

Pouteria lucuma — Sapotaceae

Italiano: Lùcuma

Description

Lucuma (Pouteria lucuma) belongs to the Sapotaceae family and is native to SouthAmerica. It thrives in Andean valleys, dry subtropical slopes, 1000-3000m environments across regions including SouthAmerica. Botanically, Lucuma is iconic Andean tree producing oval green fruits with a bright yellow starchy-sweet flesh. Known as the 'Gold of the Incas'.. The edible parts include Fruits. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, August, July, June, March, May, October and September. Nutritionally, Lucuma stands out for its Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV), Vitamin C (20.0mg, 22% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 5.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Lucuma offers a Sweet, maple-caramel-sweet potato, starchy, unique flavor profile. Peel; dehydrate flesh; grind into powder; or use fresh in recipes. Common culinary applications include Powder, Ice cream, Smoothies, Baking, Dessert. Popular preparations include Blend dried lucuma powder with milk and ice for smoothie. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Raw flesh is mealy; best as dried powder or in recipes. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Andean valleys, dry subtropical slopes, 1000-3000m across SouthAmerica.

🍳 Recipe: Blend dried lucuma powder with milk and ice for smoothie

Preparation method: Peel; dehydrate flesh; grind into powder; or use fresh in recipes
Flavor profile: Sweet, maple-caramel-sweet potato, starchy, unique
Edible parts: Fruits

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

7/10
Toxicity: Raw flesh is mealy; best as dried powder or in recipes
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits
Preparation: Peel; dehydrate flesh; grind into powder; or use fresh in recipes
Flavor: Sweet, maple-caramel-sweet potato, starchy, unique

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 5.0g
Vitamin C: 20.0mg (22%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 30.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Powder, Ice cream, Smoothies, Baking, Dessert Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Blend dried lucuma powder with milk and ice for smoothie

Where It Grows

Continent: SouthAmerica
Regions: SouthAmerica
Habitat: Andean valleys, dry subtropical slopes, 1000-3000m
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References