Evergreen tree up to 20 metres in height which produces milky latex. The dark green leaves are thick and leathery with a rounded end. A leathery, hairless pepo (a type of berry) is produced which can weigh up to 1 kg. It is covered with a thin yellowish skin, and when ripe has soft, floury pulp with large hard seeds.
The lucuma falls off the tree before it is ripe and is stored until it is sweet and floury. The pulp is dried and ground into flour and is still an important food, especially in Peru. The Incas were familiar with the lucuma and used it both for food and as a remedy.
We are still looking forward to harvesting our first fruits which – as is traditional in Peru – we hope to turn into delicious ice cream.
Andes of Chile, Ecuador and Peru
Plant from customer
The lucuma falls off the tree before it is ripe and is stored until it is sweet and floury. The pulp is dried and ground into flour and is still an important food, especially in Peru. The Incas were familiar with the lucuma and used it both for food and as a remedy.
We are still looking forward to harvesting our first fruits which – as is traditional in Peru – we hope to turn into delicious ice cream.
