Lucuma

POUTERIA LUCUMA The Gold of the Incas — A Nutritive Andean Fruit for Energy, Skin Health, and Blood Sugar Balance BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION Scientific Name: Pouteria lucuma (Ruiz & Pav.) KuntzeCommon Names: Lucuma, Eggfruit, Gold of the IncasFamily: Sapotaceae Pouteria lucuma is a subtropical tree native to the Andean valleys of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile. It grows up to 20 meters tall and bears ovoid fruits with a rough green skin and dry, golden-orange pulp resembling cooked egg yolk. The tree thrives in dry, highland climates between 1,000–2,400 meters in elevation. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL USE Lucuma has been cultivated since ancient times by pre-Columbian civilizations including the Moche and Inca. Highly revered as a symbol of fertility and abundance Used traditionally as a nutritive food, particularly for children and the elderly Often dried and ground into powder to be used in beverages, porridges, and sweets Today widely used in Peruvian desserts, smoothies,