Since the year 200 AD, the Incas cultivated lucuma, which was part of pre-Columbian diets, and it was considered a symbol of fertility. Its tree was known as the Tree of Life because its fruit was attributed many healing properties.
The mystery and the legend
Around the origin of this fruit, a mystery surrounds it, and a legend has arisen.
Many, many years ago, there lived a beautiful goddess named Rukma, who rejected any suitor approaching her to propose marriage. One of them was Huatio, the father of agriculture, who transformed into a shabby, dirty man spreading his knowledge among men.
One afternoon, while Rukma was sleeping under a lucuma tree, Huatio transformed into a bird and inserted his semen into one of the fruits of the tree.
When the fruit fell onto Rukma’s lap, the goddess ate it and became pregnant.
Rukma, eager to know who the father of her child was, gathered men in a square, and to her surprise, her son embraced Huatio. Embarrassed, Rukma took refuge in the mountains.
What is lucuma used for?
Lucuma is among Peruvian foods valued for its nutritional properties. It is used to make candies and desserts.
Since its beneficial properties that promote the well-being of our body were discovered—starting with its high nutrient content and large amounts of antioxidants—its pulp has been marketed and is also used as a sweetener.
