Lucuma

Lucuma, a rare and exotic fruit tree native to South America, known for its delicious and nutritious fruit. The tree, which is a member of the Sapotaceae family, was well known to the Incas and had strong spiritual connotations, but it is now grown for its unusual fruit. Lucuma can reach up to 6 meters in height over several years.

The fruit of the Lucuma tree is highly nutritious and contains high amounts of beta-carotene, niacin, iron, and B vitamins. The fruit is normally about the size of a golf ball and can grow up to the size of an orange. The skin is green and the flesh inside is a rich, golden yellow with a dry, crumbly texture. The flavour is like butterscotch-caramel or maple syrup, and is very sweet and tasty. It is used as a flavouring for ice cream and other desserts, and can be dried to make a nutritious flour for baking. 

Lucuma is a productive tree that enjoys the cool, subtropical temperatures of Northland and is said to do well anywhere in the country where avocados can be grown. It produces fruit over the winter months, making it a great treat when not much else is fruiting in the garden. The tree can handle light frosts once established, but it needs protection when it is small. It prefers full sun and needs good drainage.

 Lucuma is a great tree that deserves to be grown more widely in Aotearoa. With its unique taste and numerous health benefits, this exotic fruit is a must-try for those interested in exploring new and nutritious foods.