Peru is a country with a unique diversity, Machupicchu and the impressive Nasca lines are some of its main attractions.
However, not everything is reduced to tourist destinations, Peru also offers native fruits that attract foreigners and surprise local citizens every day.
The Chirimoya
This fruit was consumed by the Mochica culture, according to some of its ceramic pieces. With an intense green color on the outside, inside it has a delicious white pulp.
It has a large amount of vitamin C, which is of great help to strengthen teeth and bones. It is also made up of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 (complex B), in addition to being one of the favorite fruits to combat osteoporosis.
It is available between the autumn and winter seasons and is produced, for the most part, in regions such as Lima, Piura, Amazonas, Junín, Amazonas, Huánuco and more.
The Aguaymanto
Its consumption dates back to the Inca times and it is a fruit native to the Peruvian Andes. It is characterized by having a yellow flower that protects an orange berry, which has a bittersweet taste. 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 in turn provides defenses to the immune system. It also provides energy, stress, anxiety, has calcium and phosphorus.
The Lucuma
Used in ice creams, juices and even desserts, this is one of the emblems of Peru if we are talking about native fruits. It is characterized by being a green berry with an intense yellow pulp.
It is one of the basic foods to prevent anemia, as well as being a source of a large amount of calcium, minerals and phosphorus. You can find It in the Piura, Cajamarca, Ancash, Huánuco, Lima, Ayacucho and Arequipa regions.
The Camu Camu
Similar to a grape in size, shape and color, it is one of the main native fruits that come from the Peruvian Amazon -mainly in the regions of Ucayali and Loreto- and with a characteristic by the acid flavor.
Although one of its properties is that of an antioxidant, like the aguaymanto, it is consumed to prevent heart attacks, contain skin aging and increase the creation of collagen. Moreover, it is considered the largest fruit with vitamin C in the world.
It even helps prevent cancer because it has anthocyanin, a pigment that reduces the chances of presenting malignant cells.
The Tuna
Sold in streets and 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.
With green, red and orange colors, it has various properties such as the generation of glucose, helps the proper functioning of the kidneys, collaborates in weight reduction and is a low-calorie food.