See 752. Tree. P. lucuma (Ruiz et Pav.) O. Ktze. Lucuma Rev. Gen. III, 2 (1898) 125. Baehni (1942 1943) 397. S u n. Achras lucuma Ruiz et Pav. (Bois, 1928, 413); Lucuma bifera Mol.; L. obovata H.B.K.; L. turbinata Mol. (Bois 1. c.). M e s t n ... Plant Directory

POUTERIA RIVICOA (GAERTN.) DUCKE - KUTITIRIBA, LUKUMA- see 752. Shrub. Tree. P rivicoa (Gaertn.) Ducke Cutitiriba, Lucuma in Bull. Techn. Inst. Agron. Norte Para no. 8, I (1946) in Obs. S y n. Lucuma rivicoa Gaertn. Lecointe (1922) 512. Bois (1928) 414; Richardella rivicoa Pierre. M e s t n. naz... Plant Directory

Turkish delight- Pieces of Turkish delight... Wikipedia

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Turkish Delight- A variety of varieties of Turkish delight in the window of an Istanbul store. Pieces of Turkish delight Lokum, or Lokum (Turkish rahat lokum a convenient piece, from Arabic راحة الحلقوم‎‎ (raha(t) al holkum) pleasure for the throat) sweetness made from sugar ... Wikipedia

Turkish Delight- Ingredients: for syrup: 1 kg sugar 300 g water for starch milk: 100 g rice, wheat or corn starch 200 g cold boiled water for sprinkling Turkish delight: ... ... Great Encyclopedia of Culinary Arts

TURKISH DELIGHT- (eastern). A delicacy prepared in the Caucasus. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. TURKISH LOKUM is a delicacy borrowed from the east, prepared from starch, flour, gum and sugar with an admixture of nuts,... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

Türkiye- (Turkey) History and political structure of the Turkish Republic, administrative division of Turkey Geographical location and climate of Turkey, religion and culture of Turkey, foreign policy of Turkey, tourism in Turkey Contents Contents Section 1. History ... Investor Encyclopedia

POUTERIA AUBL. - PUTERIA- 752. Pouteria Aubl. Puteria cm... Plant Directory

Odessa City Administration- consists of the city, with its suburbs, and the Dalnitsky area, with farmsteads, on the former pasture lands of Odessa. In relation to the zemstvo of O., the city government is the seventh district of the province, administratively an independent unit, subordinate to ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron

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Many people know the oriental sweets called “Lukum”, but it turns out that there is also a tree that produces amazing fruits with a consonant name - “Lukuma”. What kind of tree is this and what fruits does it have?

Lucuma is an evergreen tree, no more than 15 meters high, usually 8-10, originally growing in Southeast Ecuador, Chile and Peru. Now it is successfully cultivated in other countries with a suitable climate: Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia and Hawaii. From one mature tree you can collect up to half a ton of fruits, which can be sold profitably for a good profit.

What does lucuma fruit look like?

The Lucuma fruit is round, in the shape of a regular or irregular oval, about 809 cm long. It is covered with a thin skin of green, reddish-brown or yellow color, often with a blush. Under the skin - the flesh is bright yellow, juicy and very sweet, with the taste of caramel, creme brulee ice cream or maple syrup - whichever you like best. In the center of the fruit there are from one to five oval seeds, like an avocado, only smaller.

How to eat lucuma?

You can eat raw only very ripe fruits that have fallen from the tree and have lain in a warm place for 3-7 days. Until this time, they are simply soaked in latex, and therefore impossible to eat.
Before reaching this stage of ripeness, local people stew them like vegetables.
Juice is made from the ripe pulp of lucuma and canned. Another common method is dry powder made from dried lucuma fruits. It is exported to many countries around the world and is often offered as a dietary supplement, as it contains many beneficial substances. Sometimes you can find lucuma frozen - it is just as healthy as fresh fruits.
Lucuma is used to make very tasty ice cream, which you can try in the countries where it is grown and in England, where the fruit is delivered from Peru specifically for the production of this delicacy.
Lucuma is used as a natural sweetener and is increasingly being added to infant formula, juices, purees and other baby foods.

What does lucuma contain?

Lucuma is a fruit “vitamin box”. It contains a lot:
- beta-carotene - a precursor to vitamin A, which improves vision and has a positive effect on the skin;
- niacin, which has a beneficial effect on hematopoiesis and the structure of the intravascular wall, preventing the development of atherosclerosis;
- iron that resists the appearance of anemia;
- phosphorus, necessary for strong teeth, hair and nails;
- vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system;
- natural sugars - glucose, sucrose and fructose.

Is lucuma healthy?

It is certainly useful, especially if you eat it fresh in the country where it was picked.

Description of the lucuma plant. Useful substances contained in its fruits. What healing properties does it have, possible harmful manifestations if abused. Recipes with lucuma.

The content of the article:

Lucuma is a subtropical fruit with the Latin species name Pouteria lucuma. The tree is native to the Andean valleys and grows in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador. His image appears in abundance on the pottery of the indigenous people of coastal South America, especially the Moche and Inca tribes. The first devoted a lot of time to agriculture, so they often mentioned the useful fruit in their art. In Peru, the lucuma harvest occurs from October to March, and in Chile from June to November. This is the best time to try the fruit fresh.

Composition and calorie content of lucuma

The round, dense green fruit was first noticed and described by Europeans who arrived in Ecuador in 1531. It was then that the name “lucmo” was assigned to the fruit, which was transformed into lucuma. In the Philippines, the fruit is called “eggfruit”; thanks to the flow of tourists, this name has spread to some English-speaking countries.

The taste of lucuma is very unusual, its texture is similar to a hard-boiled egg yolk, and it exudes the aroma of maple syrup. The flesh is sweet and slightly fibrous, sometimes similar in texture to potatoes or sweet potatoes.

The calorie content of lucuma is about 350 kcal per 100 g, of which:

• Fats - 0.9 g;
• Carbohydrates - 35 g;
• Proteins - 7 g;
• Dietary fiber - 21 g.

Mineral elements per 100 g:

• Sodium - 133 mg;
• Potassium - 830 mg;
• Calcium - 0.98 mg;
• Iron - 0.8 mg.

Vitamin composition per 100 g:

• Vitamin A - 0.49 mg;
• Vitamin C - 1.96 mg;
• Vitamin B6 - 0.9 mg;
• Niacin - 0.9 mg;
• Folic acid - 2.45 mg.

Beneficial properties of lucuma

Despite the fact that the indigenous tribes of South America consumed the fruit 200 years BC, modern science showed interest in it only in the 20th century. In just a few years, lucuma has gained the status of “super food”, thanks to its richness in nutrients and considerable benefits. Its powder is used by athletes and ordinary people who care closely about their health. It is easiest to find the fruit in this form, since its shelf life is extremely short, and it grows successfully only at altitudes from 1000 to 4500 kilometers above sea level.

Here are the benefits of lucuma:

1. High levels of beta carotene. The orange-yellow color of the fruit's flesh is evidence of the presence of a valuable nutrient in the fruit. Derived from vitamin A, beta-carotene protects vision, promotes cellular growth and improves immunity. The substance protects against various types of cancer, in particular the esophagus, liver, pancreas, intestines, prostate, and internal genital organs. Lucuma contains strong antioxidants that delay aging.
2. Natural sweetener. Even a small amount of lucuma can make foods sweeter without raising your blood sugar. This is the value of the fruit for diabetics, who will at the same time get vitamins from the fruit that are not found in sugar or its substitutes.
3. Enrichment of cells with oxygen. Iron, which the lucuma fruit is rich in, improves the transport of oxygen to all cells and tissues. This is a key factor for their normal functioning, especially noticeably affecting the body of pregnant and lactating women. Adequate levels of iron contribute to a feeling of energy and improved well-being.
4. A Vegan Source of Niacin. Plant foods rich in vitamin B3 should be an integral part of a vegetarian diet. While regular people get niacin from meat, vegans run the risk of being deficient in this vitamin. An important nutrient that helps with digestion, muscle development, stress regulation, and sex hormone production.
5. Cellulose. The exotic superfruit is rich in organic fibers, which promote the proper functioning of the digestive system and eliminate bloating and constipation.
6. Accelerated wound healing. Lucuma not only improves the “tightening” of the skin, but also reduces inflammation. Combinations with ginger and cinnamon are especially good in this case.
7. Antibacterial and antiviral effect. Among the beneficial properties of lucuma is its ability to resist many diseases caused by dangerous pathogens. By taking a couple of spoons of fruit pulp a day, you can not be afraid of flu and colds.
8. Reduced pressure. Lucuma gently and naturally helps with hypertension, bringing blood pressure back to normal. Some studies show that regular consumption of lucuma slows down aging, makes the skin smooth and elastic, smoothing out fine lines and restoring natural beauty.
9. Diet ingredient. Despite its fairly high calorie content, lucuma is still healthier than sugar. By adding it in small quantities to dishes that you want to sweeten, you will get a lot of benefits, you will feel full for much longer, and you will not feel a loss of strength or loss of enthusiasm for losing weight.

Harm and contraindications to consuming lucuma

The benefits of lucuma are visible to the naked eye. At the same time, despite the mass of enthusiastic reviews about the “superfruit”, it should be remembered that the exotic fruit has not been studied enough. When buying its powder, since fresh fruits are difficult to obtain outside the area where they grow, it is impossible to know exactly the concentration of certain substances and the correct dosage of the dietary supplement. Many manufacturers of such products have not undergone certification to check the safety of the product. Therefore, you can consume this fruit only at your own peril and risk.

Consequences of lucuma abuse:

• Weight gain. Of course, this exotic fruit has a very attractive taste, so it’s easy to overeat. Given the relatively high calorie content of lucuma, you may pay by adding extra pounds or disrupting your diet. It should be remembered that the daily portion of lucuma is only 14 grams or 1-2 teaspoons.
• Stomach upset. Due to the high content of oils and fiber, lucuma has a noticeable laxative effect, which can lead to diarrhea, stomach pain, and flatulence.

An absolute contraindication to lucuma is individual intolerance. Fruit allergies may apply to this as well. If you suffer from hypersensitivity to certain foods, use caution when trying new foods.

When buying lucuma powder, lucuma oil or fresh fruit, choose only trusted suppliers who have proven themselves based on many positive reviews. In some cases, there were attempts to sell low-quality goods produced in violation of the rules for growing plants, collecting and processing them. As a result, the final product was contaminated with chemicals and other toxic substances. Too low a price for lucuma should raise suspicions.

Recipes with lucuma

If you are lucky enough to travel to Peru from January to April, you can enjoy the pleasant taste of fresh lucuma, which is sold in abundance at any market. Numerous desserts with fruit pulp will also be sold there - juices, drinks, ice cream, baked goods, and so on.

Recipes with lucuma:

1. Smoothie “Papaya, lime, carrot”. An excellent choice for strengthening your immune system and getting a boost of energy! Let's gather the ingredients: 1 cup carrots, 85 g papaya, 1 peeled orange, half a glass of lime juice, a quarter cup of cashews, a glass of water, a glass of crushed ice, a teaspoon of lucuma powder. Place all ingredients in a blender and mix thoroughly until smooth. Next, you should consume the vitamin cocktail immediately.
2. Apple cheesecake. To prepare this dish, take: one large Granny Smith apple (cut into slices), 1 banana, 1 Turkish delight or a teaspoon of its powder, two glasses of cottage cheese, sugar to taste, 150 g of any cookies, 5 eggs, 40 g of butter , 2 tablespoons of flour. Grind the cookies, mix with butter and place on the bottom of the mold. At a temperature of 180 degrees, bake this mixture for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat. Grind all the fruits in a blender, add eggs, flour and cottage cheese, process well so that the mixture becomes “fluffy”. Pour the contents on top of the cookie crust and place in the oven for an hour (place a pan of water under it). After turning off the heat, keep it in the oven for another 10-15 minutes so that the cheesecake does not fall off due to the temperature contrast.
3. Pudding with pineapple and chia seeds. Take: half a teaspoon of lucuma powder, 20 g of chia seeds, 250 ml of almond or coconut milk, 40 g of pineapple pieces. Place all ingredients in a blender, mix, pour into a separate container and leave in the refrigerator for at least an hour. When the chia seeds swell and turn into jelly, the fruit pudding is ready to eat.
4. Lucuma ice cream. Prepare 1 lucuma fruit, 200 g bananas, 50 ml condensed milk or heavy cream. Cut the fruit into pieces and mash with a fork until smooth. Mix well with the milk component, pour into molds and place in the freezer. When the “fruit ice” has completely hardened, it is ready for use.
5. Cocoa snack with fruit pieces. To prepare you will need: half a glass of cocoa butter (melted), the same amount of liquid honey, a pinch of vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons of lucuma powder, a few almonds, half a glass of goji berries, 5 dates, cut into pieces. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Line a baking dish with foil. We spread the mixture onto paper, forming “snacks” of any shape. We put it in the refrigerator and wait for it to harden, resulting in a healthy and natural chocolate substitute with various healthy fillings.

The tree of this fruit is very sensitive to temperature and grows only in hot and humid tropical climates. Even in sunny Florida and Hawaii, its cultivation has not been successful, which makes transporting the fruit to Europe and Asia much more difficult.

The leading producer of lucuma is Peru; the fruit is grown in small quantities by Bolivia and Costa Rica. To nearby countries, whose climate does not allow the harvesting of lucuma, the fruit is transported frozen. To distribute it further, the fruit is processed into powder, whose shelf life ranges from several months to one year.

Lucuma is eaten raw, frozen, in juices, milkshakes, desserts and some traditional dishes. In its homeland, the fruit is called the “Gold of the Incas” for its bright, sunny flesh color and beneficial properties. For the people of Peru, lucuma is a symbol of longevity and fertility. Even small children are allowed to eat it, considering it absolutely healthy and promoting good health. The popularity of lucuma is so great that about 26 settlements are named after it.

To determine whether a fruit is ripe, pay attention to the uniform color of its peel (normally it should be dark green) and the density of the pulp. Delicious lucuma is springy and hard; a texture that is too soft indicates that the fruit has begun to deteriorate.

An adult lucuma tree begins to bear fruit only in its fifth year, but can bear up to 500 fruits per season.

Watch a video about Turkish delight:

It’s not for nothing that lucuma has been dubbed a “superfruit.” It is not easy to get it fresh, but even the powder has a noticeable effect on the human body. The fruit improves well-being and fills with energy, regulates sugar levels and blood pressure, protects the nervous system and visual organs, and is a powerful antioxidant. Contraindications for lucuma are extremely limited; the main thing is to buy the product from a reliable manufacturer. Just one teaspoon of its powder a day is enough to see from your own experience the miraculous effect of the fruit.

Pouteria lucuma, which means lucuma, belongs to the Sapotaceae family of the Puteria genus. In its appearance and biological structure, the plant is an evergreen fruit tree. It is most widespread in the countries of Southeast Asia, in Peru, Chile and Ecuador. The tree is cultivated on an industrial scale in Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, Costa Rica and Bolivia. The latter place is considered the historical homeland of this plant.

The lucuma tree grows mainly in high mountain areas, rising up to 3 thousand meters above sea level, and often reaches a height of 15 meters. Lucuma is considered an exotic plant, as are other representatives of the Sapotovs. The leaves are elliptical in shape and reach an average length of approximately 25 cm.

The fruits of the plant are distinguished by their elongated shape; when fully ripe, they are covered with thin skin with an interesting bright yellow color, which is often called “blush”. The pulp of the Lucuma fruit is distinguished by its pleasant sweetness and beautiful sunny yellow color, its consistency is slightly mealy, and the taste is somewhat reminiscent of the well-known maple syrup. Inside the fruit, as a rule, there are up to 5 seeds with a smooth coating.

Due to its sweet taste, lucuma fruits are used in cooking as a natural sugar substitute. One lucuma tree produces a harvest of up to 500 kg throughout the year. History has recorded cases when, during years of particularly poor harvests and the invasion of harmful insects, entire peoples living in South America were saved from starvation only thanks to sweet fruits. Perhaps it was these stories that today on the South American continent locals call lucuma the “tree of life,” and in ancient manuscripts found here the plant has the beautiful name “lost harvest of the Incas.”

The fruits of the tropical plant are consumed both fresh and heat-treated. They can be stewed in their own juice or canned for future use. Vitamin juice with an excellent refreshing effect is obtained from the juicy pulp. Often the fruits are thoroughly dried in the sun, after which they are ground to a powder. In this form, Turkish delight is used to prepare various confectionery products, gourmet desserts and ice cream.

Composition and beneficial properties

Scientists have noted a high content of beta-carotene in lucuma fruits. As is known, this biologically active substance of natural origin is involved in the synthesis of vitamin A. Today in our country you can purchase the pulp of an exotic tree in frozen form via the Internet or in specialized stores. The chemical composition of the fruit contains large quantities of natural glucose, fructose and sucrose. This will explain the fact that the product can often be found in baby food. Manufacturers use this natural component as an excellent sugar substitute.

Lucuma- a plant of the Sapotaceae family. For the first time, residents of Peru, Chile and Ecuador learned about this fruit. Today, this plant can be found in Bolivia, Mexico, Hawaii and Costa Rica.

The flattened fruits can be oval or elliptical in shape, the length of which can vary from 7.5 to 10 cm (see photo). The fruit is covered with a fairly delicate thin peel, which is green with a brown tint, and may also have a reddish blush. Beneath it is a yellow, powdery pulp that is distinguished by its dryness and strength. By the way, the pulp is impregnated with latex, which disappears after overripening. Inside there are glossy oval-shaped seeds, the number of which varies from 1 to 5 pieces.

During the ripening period, the fruits fall to the ground, but they can only be consumed when the fruit becomes soft.

Storage and transportation

The fruits can be transported over long distances, since lucuma ripens on the way. In addition, frozen fruits are exported. It is better to eat soft fruits immediately, as they do not last long in this form.

Beneficial features

Lucuma contains many substances that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the entire body. The fruits contain vitamin B1, which is necessary for the normal functioning of metabolic processes. In addition, it takes an active part in the work of the heart muscle and in the digestion process. Turkish delight also contains vitamin B2, which is an essential substance for the human body. It is involved in hematopoiesis and has a positive effect on the reproductive function of the body. Thereby the fruit is recommended to be included in the diet of people who have problems with wound healing.

Turkish delight also contains vitamin B3, which allows the fruit to be used as a prophylaxis, as well as for the treatment of atherosclerosis. In addition, vitamin B3 helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. The fruit also contains fiber, which has a beneficial effect on intestinal activity and helps prevent or get rid of constipation. In addition, there are other substances that have a positive effect on the immune system and protect brain cells from damage.

Turkish delight also contains carotene, which has a beneficial effect on vision and reduces the risk of certain eye problems. Thanks to the iron content, the growth of new blood cells is activated, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Lucuma also contains calcium, which strengthens bones, nails and hair.

The seeds of the fruit contain quite a lot of fat, which allows them to be used for cosmetic purposes.

Use in cooking

Lucuma is edible, both raw and processed. The fruits are stewed in syrup and used as a separate dessert. The pulp is suitable for filling in a variety of baked goods. Delicious ice cream is made from fresh fruits.

The fruits are dried, crushed, and the resulting powder is used to make various dishes. It is used as a sweetener, which is added to desserts, cocktails, puddings, etc. In addition, lucuma is used in the manufacture of food for children, yogurt, cocktails, etc. To be able to use the fruits all year round, they are canned and frozen.

Benefits of lucuma and treatment

The benefits of lucuma are due to its rich composition of nutrients. Traditional healers use the fruits during the treatment of paralysis and other diseases.

Harm of lucuma and contraindications

Turkish delight can be harmful to people with individual intolerance to the product. If you have diabetes, you should avoid eating fruit.