Lucuma

Lucumas

Photo: 24h.com.vn

Visitors to the Vietnamese countryside, especially after the rainy season in the Central region has just ended, may find that the once lush land has transformed into a more barren landscape. However, the resilient lucuma trees, still standing proud in the middle of courtyards post-storm, are sure to evoke nostalgic feelings and memories from childhood. The lucuma, also referred to as eggfruit, flourishes abundantly across Vietnam. This fruit is typically oval or round, with a green skin and bright yellow flesh. When tasted, lucuma delivers a pulpy and creamy flavor reminiscent of a sweet egg yolk, although it can become somewhat bitter if consumed too long after ripening.

How to Eat

Photo: kenh14.vn

This golden, creamy Vietnamese fruit may seem unusual to some foreigners. However, if you enjoy the velvety texture of avocados, you might find yourself enamored with the rich, syrupy taste of lucuma. To select the most delicious ripe fruit for your family, look for heart-shaped, soft specimens if you plan to eat them right away. Don’t be misled by the attractive, smooth skin of the lucuma; these often indicate unripe fruit that can be bitter. The skin is quite soft, allowing you to peel it easily with your hands and enjoy its delightful flavor in no time.

Where Lucumas are Grown in Vietnam

Lucuma trees thrive in hot, humid environments with a good tolerance for cold. Low temperatures and frost can make the plant vulnerable to leaf blight and hinder growth. These trees are generally propagated through seed nurseries and branch cuttings. Lucuma is adaptable and can grow in various soil types. In Vietnam, tourists can find lucuma gardens predominantly in mountainous and rural areas such as Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, and Thanh Hoa.

Benefits of Lucuma

Photo: nongphu.net

Beyond its delightful taste, lucuma offers numerous health benefits. This fruit is known to boost red blood cell production, support nervous system functions, and lower cholesterol levels, all of which may help prevent cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Moreover, due to its rich content of vitamins and minerals, lucuma provides significant nutritional value, offering anti-aging benefits and promoting skin brightness.

Food Made from Lucuma

With its honey-like creamy flavor, lucuma serves as a key ingredient in a variety of desserts, cakes, salads, ice creams, yogurt, juices, and drinks. Besides enjoying it fresh, lucuma can also be processed into powder, which can be stored for up to a year. The fruit powder is an effective substitute for white sugar in baking and developing various dishes. Its texture closely resembles that of refined sugar, while offering the rich flavor of brown sugar.