Top 7 Peruvian Fruits

Lúcuma is a fruit native to the Andean region of South America, most notably valleys of Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador. It is characterized by a high nutritional value, as it is full of calcium, protein, iron, zinc, and beta-carotene. Its flavor is best described as slightly sweet and similar to maple, making it an ideal ingredient for baked desserts and ice cream. Originally, lúcuma was called gold of the Incas and was viewed as a symbol of fertility. Today, it can be found in most regional markets from January to April.Expand

Native to South America, aguaymanto (Physalis peruviana), called topotopo in the indigenous Quechua language, is a perennial herb that produces edible, round, yellowish-orange berries which have a soft, succulent flesh characterized by a pleasant, tangy sweetness. Mainly distributed in Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and the Argentine provinces of Salta and Jujuy, the plant is typically gathered from the wild, and it is closely related to tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. The indigenous populations, including the Incas, have long consumed the fruits of the aguaymanto plant. The fruits are an excellent source of iron, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C. They can be eaten on their own or enjoyed with syrup, combined with other desserts and sweet fruits. The fruits can also be dehydrated or processed into jams, fruit preserves, and beverages. The use and traditional knowledge of local wild plants such as aguaymanto are at risk of being lost as the consumption of these plants is increasingly neglected by younger generations because of cultural changes and migration to cities.Expand

Cocona is a tropical fruit growing in South America and the Andean region. It is characterized by its thin, yet tough skin, and a tart, fruity flavor. Cocona's flesh is very similar to that of a tomato, and it is often used in the preparation of sauces, juices, ice creams, and desserts. The fruit is very rich in vitamin B5 and iron, making it a healthy, yet flavorful and versatile ingredient for numerous culinary uses.Expand

Tamarillo is a small shrub or tree that’s native to the Andean regions of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. The small egg-shaped fruits are succulent and have a slightly sweet to subacid flavor of the pulp. The flavors are often described as similar to kiwi and underripe tomatoes. Tamarillo fruits are used in numerous sweet and savory dishes, beverages, salads, dips, spreads, chutneys, pickles, jams, and sweet or savory sauces. In Ecuador, cooks make a tamarillo sauce by mixing the fruits with garlic, onions, salt, hot peppers, and spices such as coriander. The name tamarillo is a hybrid of tomato and amarillo, meaning yellow.Expand

Mountain papaya is an evergreen softwood tree that’s native to the Andes from southern Colombia to central Chile, but it’s also cultivated in subtropical and cool mountain climates of Southeast Asia and Africa. The tree produces fruits that have soft flesh with many round brown seeds. When fully ripe, the fruits are slightly tart and acidic with an intense aroma. They’re usually enjoyed fresh or sprinkled with sugar. The fruits are also used to produce jellies and marmalades. Mountain papaya can be stewed and served as dessert, while chunks of the fruit are sometimes preserved in syrup. These obovoid fruits are also a great source of vitamin C.Expand