Lucuma

Lúcuma
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Ericales Family: Sapotaceae Genus: Pouteria Species: P. lucuma
Binomial name
Pouteria lucuma (Ruiz & Pav.) Kuntze

Moche Lucuma. 200 A.D. Larco Museum Collection. Lima, Peru

The lúcuma (Pouteria lucuma) is a subtropical fruit of Andean origin (sometimes known as lucmo in English), native to the dry subtropical Andean coastal valleys of Peru, Ecuador, and introduced in 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 Peruvian 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. The lúcuma is exported all around the world. In some countries it is one of the most popular ice-cream flavors.

Lúcuma is a popular flavoring for ice cream in its native range, and in Peru even exceeds the demand for more globally popular flavors such as strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla.^{[citation needed]}

Lucuma has been found on ceramics at burial sites of the indigenous people of coastal Peru Lucmo. The Moche people had a fascination with agriculture and often chose to represent fruits and vegetables, including lucuma, in their art. Berrin, Katherine & Larco Museum. The Spirit of Ancient Peru:Treasures from the Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1997.

References

External links

• Germplasm Resources Information Network: Pouteria lucuma
• Scientific Information on the lúcuma
• New World Fruits Database
• Lucuma the Fruit

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