Peru is a country of unique diversity, increasingly celebrated by the thousands of tourists who visit it year after year. Machu Picchu and the impressive Nazca lines are some of its main attractions.
However, it's not all about tourist destinations; Peru also offers diverse attractions worth exploring. Native fruits are another of the charms that attract foreigners and surprise locals every day.
That's why we present five fruits that Peru has to offer. Some are only available seasonally, so always keep in mind when you can have them on hand.
Cherimoya, an ancient food
This fruit was consumed by the Mochica culture, according to some of its ceramic pieces. With an intense green exterior, it has a delicious white pulp inside.
It has a large amount of vitamin C, which is very helpful for strengthening teeth and bones. It is also composed of vitamins B1, B2, and B6 (B complex), and is one of the favorite fruits for combating osteoporosis.
When do we find it? It is available between the fall and winter seasons and is produced mostly in regions such as Lima, Piura, Amazonas, Junín, Amazonas, Huánuco, and more. Prepare your palate.
Aguaymanto, a flavor that comes from the Incas
Its consumption dates back to the Inca era and it is a fruit native to the Peruvian Andes. It is characterized by a yellow flower that protects an orange berry, which has a sweet and sour flavor. It is produced in Cajamarca, Lambayeque, Junín, Lima, Ayacucho, and other regions.
In the Aymara language, it is known as uchuba, while in the Quecha language, it is called topotopo.
It is a great antioxidant that also provides defenses to the immune system. It also provides energy, combats stress and anxiety, and contains iron, calcium, and phosphorus.
Lucuma, a delight for the palate
Used in ice cream, juices, and even desserts, this is one of Peru's emblems when it comes to native fruits. It is characterized by being a green berry with deep yellow flesh.
It is one of the staple foods for preventing anemia, as well as being a source of large amounts of calcium, minerals, and phosphorus. Where is it mostly produced? In the regions of Piura, Cajamarca, Ancash, Huánuco, Lima, Ayacucho, and Arequipa.
Camu camu, pride of the Peruvian Amazon
Resembling a grape in size, shape, and color, it is one of the main native fruits from the Peruvian Amazon—mainly in the regions of Ucayali and Loreto—and has a characteristic acidic flavor.
While one of its properties is that of an antioxidant, like the golden berry, it is consumed to prevent heart attacks, slow skin aging, and increase collagen production. In fact, it is considered the world's richest fruit with vitamin C.
It even helps prevent cancer because it contains anthocyanin, a pigment that reduces the risk of malignant cells.
What do you mean there's a Camu Camu Day? That's right. Every October 16th, it's celebrated with various fairs and farmers' markets. Mark it down for your enjoyment.
Prickly pear, up to three colors to choose from
Sold on the streets and in supermarkets, this fruit from the cactus family has a sweet flavor and is produced in 16 departments of Peru, mostly in Lima, Huancavelica, Ayacucho, Apurímac, and Arequipa.
Green, red, and orange in color, it has various properties such as generating glucose, helping kidney function, aiding weight loss, and being a low-calorie food.
What's more, it not only helps the body, but also the environment. How so? Growing it slows soil erosion and consumes large amounts of carbon dioxide.
