Lúcuma
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Pouteria lucuma (Ruiz & Pav.) Kuntze |
Lúcuma (Pouteria lucuma) is a subtropical fruit of Andean origin, native to the dry subtropical Andean coastal valleys of Peru, Ecuador and Chile (Quillota and Petorca). It grows at temperate elevations, between 1,000-2,400 metres. The largest concentration of this fruit is found in the regions of Cajamarca, Ancash, Lima and Ayacucho. It has also grown well for centuries in southern Ecuador and Chile's northern coast. The fruit is very nutritious, having high levels of carotene and vitamin B3.
Lúcuma is a popular flavoring for ice cream, and in Peru, even exceeds the demand for more globally popular flavors such as strawberry, chocolate and vanilla.
The fruit has been depicted on ceramics at burial sites of the indigenous people of coastal Peru.