1.- INTRODUCTION TO FRUITS OF PERU
There is no doubt that Peru is recognized worldwide for the incredible biodiversity it possesses from geographical aspects such as ecosystems that form the many regions that the country has, between the coast, the Andes and the Peruvian jungle. In fact that geographical diversity is crucial to understand more about the natural wealth in relation to the Fruits from Peru, because each particular region has a unique climatic aspect which allows ideal conditions for the development and growth of various kinds and types of fruits that in many cases become specific to the place so they directly have a relationship with the cultural heritage, it is important to understand that the Fruits from Peru not only have a variety in types but also in quality and thanks to the contributions that has the land can ensure that it has adequate nutritional benefits for the proper development of the human body.
2.- Geography and climatic zones
We know that Peru is a country that has a quite varied geography which provides a particular climate in each of the regions and thanks to this we can see how there are multiple varieties of fruits throughout the country.
2.1.- Coastal region
Its particularity comes from its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, showing a fairly arid and dry geography so multiple fruits are the ideal ecosystem to develop and at the same time to grow, among these we certainly have options such as mango, papaya and of course the grape. Regardless, the geography mostly represents an arid and desert in some places like Ica is appreciated as the presence of water is quite fluid so it is also like to appreciate the strawberry crops, passion fruit and other similar types.
2.2.- Andean Region
Popularly known for the high elevations and heights it has, it represents a fairly cold climate and temperate conditions almost most of the time, because of this the cultivation of fruit has had to adapt through several generations resulting mainly in the production of apples, pears, pomegranates and peaches. Although it is also important to see how in higher altitudes, thanks to the adaptation of seeds, native fruit crops have been obtained that can only be found in this part of the world, such as the Caigua and the Cape gooseberry, which for years have been recognized for the nutritional properties they possess.
2.3.- Jungle region
There is no doubt that this place is a paradise for the production of different types of Peruvian fruit. Thanks to the right climate that combines humidity, high temperatures and of course fertile soils can create a unique environment where tropical fruits are developed and cultivated more easily in addition to what can not be found anywhere in the world. Some of these are Camu Camu, baca-baca, aguaje and guava, which have been part of the local diet for generations.
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3.- Historical importance
A Peruvian fruit not only represents an element of Peruvian gastronomy, in fact it also has a symbolic role that is directly linked to the culture and at the same time to the history of the country. Since pre-Columbian times, fruits have served as a unique and vital resource for local communities which have been used not only in aspects of food but also in rituals and ceremonies that are part of the tradition.
Ancient cultures such as the Nazcas or Incas have managed to cultivate and at the same time venerate fruits not only for the beneficial properties they provide to the body but also for the high spiritual values they possess, among these is undoubtedly the Cape gooseberry and the sacha pineapple that were not only used on a daily basis but were directly related to religious ceremonies and festivals since in more than one sense they were granted the relationship between humans and nature.
For centuries, Peruvian agriculture advanced to the point of being able to diversify cultivation styles, mainly using techniques that were inherited in traditional villages who used the method of adapting the seeds to obtain different crops and thus obtain different varieties of these same. Thanks to this method and added to the climatic conditions, but has managed to be considered as the place of origin of multiple types of fruits such as passion fruit, pomegranate and Lucuma that over time these same were domesticated and spread throughout Latin America.
4.- Cultural value of fruits
As we have already mentioned, Peruvian fruits have a very special meaning within the culture as well as being linked to the Andean origin and cosmovision, which is why they are considered a unique part of festivities and celebrations. In some aspects they have a much more cultural importance as is the case of Maca, which is directly related to fertility and Andean spirituality, on the other hand tropical fruits such as aguaje and camu camu are more related to drinks typical of the jungle region. In other aspects related to Peruvian gastronomy, many of the fruits have become part of traditional recipes such as mango, passion fruit and coconut, which have come to transcend in the interpretation of flavors and at the same time in the creation of dishes that are catalogued as symbols of the culture, the best example of this is the ceviche.
5.- NATIVE PERUVIAN FRUITS
There is no doubt that Peru is quite privileged by the wide biodiversity it possesses and it is not only about wildlife aspects, the wide variety of natural elements as ingredients that create the Peruvian food are also supplied by the wide variety of native fruits that can be found in the different regions, each one of them undoubtedly is part of the testimony of the agricultural heritage that the country possesses and it is important to understand that the Fruits of Peru are not only tasty but also possess unique traditional aspects that contribute to the welfare of the human body and are also part of the same traditional Andean medicine.
5.1.- Andean Fruits
5.1.1.- Lucuma
There is no doubt that this fruit is considered one of the most emblematic of all the Peruvian Andes since it is popularly known as the gold of Peru due to its characteristic golden color and its nutritional value. The pulp of the Luma contains the characteristic of being quite soft and with a sweet flavor that is slightly similar to the earthy texture and with an intense yellow in its tonality for this reason it is recurrently used as the main ingredient of traditional desserts such as ice cream. Another important aspect about this fruit is that it is quite rich in complex carbohydrates, which is why it provides energy to the body and is used as part of traditional medicine to treat digestive problems.
5.1.2.- Custard Apple
Popularly known in many parts of the world as soursop, is also another fruit typical of the Andean region of Peru and is characterized by containing a white pulp and quite creamy that can easily melt in the mouth what we bring to sweet but at the same time has been. It has the characteristic of being round and scaly green skin, for generations has been valued and appreciated for its composition of contributions in vitamins and minerals so it is often consumed fresh and directly, although some people prefer to consume them in juices and smoothies, the origin is typical of the high regions of Peru.
5.1.3.- Pacay
It also carries the name of guaba, is considered one of the native fruits and grows in large pods so its peculiar shape cataloged it, one of the most curious in Peru, contains a white and spongy pulp with sweet and refreshing taste, is characterized by being long but easy to open where you can find several grains wrapped in a fibrous pulp. Because of its texture it is commonly compared to cotton candy.
5.1.4.- Cape gooseberry
It is popularly recognized with the name of tree tomato because it is quite similar to the tomato itself, this small fruit has the particular characteristic of being of an intense golden color and grows in small capsules that are quite similar to paper. Its flavor can be compared to a mixture between sweet and sour so it has become one of the main inputs when making juices or jams, is a fruit that has its origin in the Andes and is quite popular for antioxidants, vitamins and of course minerals it possesses is also recognized for the medicinal properties it brings to the human body fighting many ailments such as respiratory or digestive.
5.2.- Amazonian Fruits
5.2.1.- Camu Camu
This small fruit has the characteristic of being round and popularly grows in the Peruvian Amazon jungle, it is quite popular for being one of the largest sources of vitamin C worldwide. The flavor it possesses is a mixture of acid but at the same time refreshing that is popularly consumed in juices, pulps and even powder for soft drinks. It has also been used to strengthen the immune system and thanks to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties it possesses its popularity has also been recognized as a value that contributes to alternative medicine being quite popular.
5.2.2.- Cocona
This exotic fruit is part of the unique elements that only the Peruvian Amazon can offer you. It contains a sweet and sour taste that makes it quite similar to a tomato but at the same time to the passion fruit. Its bright orange color makes it quite striking and its juicy pulp is often used to make juices, sauces and preserves. Of course, it is valued not only for its incredible and intense flavor but also for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, being one of the elements that provides the most vitamin C to the body, which helps with good health.
5.2.3.- Aguaje
In other regions it is known as Copaiba or Moriche, this is one of the Fruits of Peru which has the particularity of growing in a palm, has a bright orange color and at the same time a fairly rough skin, this fruit is highly nutritious because it contains vitamin A which is directly associated with eye health and skin, its consumption is mainly in juices but can also be in ice cream and desserts, among the Amazonian communities has become one of the main fruits consumed and is quite important as it is also extracted its oil containing cosmetic properties.
5.3.- Fruits of the coast
5.3.1.- Tumbo
Some people recognize this fruit as Peruvian passion fruit since it is one of the exotic fruits that belongs to the coastal region of Peru. The yellow or green peel varies according to the ripeness of the fruit itself and inside you can find a juicy pulp that is full of seeds, contains an acidic and refreshing flavor that has certain touches of sweetness which has made it very popular in the preparation of juices and desserts, although there are those who prefer to consume it directly as it helps with digestive problems and is an excellent source of vitamin C.
5.3.2.- Sweet Cucumber
Some people refer to this fruit as melon cucumber, and it is a fruit that particularly grows only on the Peruvian coast, the name clearly comes from the sweet taste it has and it is characteristic that you feel the combination between cucumber and melon, it is a very refreshing fruit that is usually consumed directly although there are those who prefer it in juices and salads, the crunchy flavor that has nothing become one of the main options during the warmer months.
6.- IMPORTANCE IN HISTORY
“Among the many Fruits from Peru, the Cape gooseberry plays a unique role in its kind because according to cultural records it is known that this fruit could only be consumed directly by the Inca ruler because its production was limited and having a very particular flavor could only be tasted by the most important person of the whole culture. Nowadays, fortunately, its flavor can be tasted in different types of food, from complex meals to delicious desserts.”
7.- FAQs ABOUT FRUITS OF PERU
- What is the national fruit of Peru?
Many people are unaware that among all the Fruits of Peru, there is one that is listed as the national fruit and it is the passion fruit, this is recognized by the sweet taste and pulp full of small seeds that are also edible, its unique flavor has created a great link with the biodiversity of the country.
- What is lucuma and why is it so popular in Peru?
It is a tropical fruit grown mainly in the Peruvian Andes, contains a deep yellow pulp and a sweet flavor with slight hints of vanilla and caramel. It is popularly used to make desserts and drinks that are quite traditional in Peruvian gastronomy, such as ice creams, mousses and milkshakes.
- Can I bring Peruvian fruits back to my home country?
Much depends on the regulations of each country, in some places the importation of agricultural products is prohibited due to concerns about the spread of pests and diseases.
- What is the most unusual fruit I should try in Peru?
Camu camu is undoubtedly one of the unusual fruits that you can try during your visit to Peru, it is a fruit that contains high levels of vitamin C.
- Where are the best fruit markets in Lima?
There are many places where you can find these products in a simple way but the best ones are: Surquillo market, Victoria market (central market), San Isidro market and Magdalena market.
Now you know that trying some of the fruits of Peru will make your trip much more delicious and special. Auri Peru can help you design an experience full of flavors that you will remember for a lifetime, contact us now and together we will delight your palate with the best of Peru.
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