These Peruvian fruits are full of texture and health benefits. These are the six that you should bite into on your next visit to Peru.
1. Lúcuma
Lucuma originated in the Andes of Peru, and is also grown in Chile and Ecuador. The fruit was represented in ceramics and other art forms of the Moche people. This Peruvian fruit is green on the outside and a nice, creamy orange-gold on the inside. The most popular ways to consume Lucuma is in ice cream, desserts and in drinks such as smoothies. We suggest you bite into the fruit, as it is high in iron and fiber.
Learn more about the fruit here.
2. Tuna
Tuna is a fruit that in Peru is commonly known as the prickly pear or opuntia. The round fruit comes in various colors and has thorns on its skin. You can find the fruit across the southern Andean plateau, growing on top of cacti pads. The tuna pads are also edible and are very delicious. Learn more about the prickly pear here.
3. Aguaymanto
Goldenberry or cape gooseberry are two other names for aguaymanto, a small, round cherry tomato-like fruit. The fruit can be found in the tropical areas of Peru, and is a great tangy snack. Try making jam or adding aguaymanto to your salads, as it’s packed with vitamins A and C.
4. Pitaya: a colorful Peruvian fruit
Pitaya is low in calories with a nice mild flavor, and also comes in various beautiful colors. It’s also known as dragon fruit and has a similar flavor to kiwi. The fruit grows in the regions of Amazonas and San Martín, though you can easily find it in markets around Lima.
5. Chirimoya
Chirimoya, or cherimoya, is a relative of the more well-known soursop. A native fruit of Peru and Ecuador, it was consumed by the Incas and is cultivated in higher altitudes. It’s green on the outside with a sweet and creamy white inside and large black seeds. This popular fruit is perfect for making juices and ice cream. Chirimoya is a rich source in Vitamin B6.
6. Granadilla
This goopy and sweet fruit has a hard shell that is easy to crack before getting to the good stuff. Though the inside is loaded with seeds, this doesn’t stop anyone from enjoying its sweet nectar -and the crunchy seeds for that matter. Some other popular ways to enjoy granadilla is with juices and ice cream (like with many other popular Peruvian fruits). Learn more about granadilla’s benefits here.
Cover photo: Carla Dalmolin/Flicrk
This article has been updated from its original version by Natasha Clay published February 2, 2018.