Lucuma: the natural caramel-flavoured sweetener that takes care of you

Its golden-yellow flesh, starchy and gently sweet, evokes a blend of caramel, vanilla and sweet potato.

It contains predominantly insoluble fibre, beta-carotene, plant-based iron and B vitamins, giving it a nutritional profile far more interesting than that of simple refined white sugar. Its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is particularly relevant for adding sweetness with pleasure whilst providing useful nutrients for both mother and baby. The quality of organic lucuma powder, particularly the low-temperature drying method used, determines how well its delicate compounds are preserved.

In its natural form, in Andean countries, lucuma is eaten fresh in season, but its flesh is most often processed into dried powder, used as a flavouring and natural sweetener in ice creams, desserts, smoothies and baked goods. In Peru, it is one of the most popular ice cream flavours, even ahead of vanilla and chocolate. In Europe, it can be found in fine food and natural nutrition shops, in powder form to be incorporated into sweet recipes. Other low-glycaemic-index fruits with similar sweetening properties include dried dates, figs and monk fruit. The absorption of its fibre and micronutrients depends on the form of consumption and the quantity incorporated into the recipe. Its low sugar content makes it a particularly interesting choice for women wishing to monitor their blood sugar levels, especially in cases of gestational diabetes.

As a supplement, lucuma is available in the form of fruit powder dried at low temperature, thereby retaining its fibre, beta-carotene and B vitamins, which makes it of interest during anti-fatigue food supplement. It features in nut butters, smoothie powders, protein snacks and sweet preparations as a partial replacement for added sugar. In Crazy Nut by Jolly Mama, it contributes the characteristic sweet, caramel note of the spread, without the use of refined sugars. To ensure an optimal nutritional profile, it is advisable to choose a low-temperature-dried lucuma powder, of organic origin and free from additives. Lucuma is naturally vegan, gluten-free and free from major allergens, and is very well tolerated digestively.