When you think of Peru, you might imagine well-known sites. These include Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the Amazon rainforest. But beyond its famous landmarks, Peru is also renowned for its incredible diversity of Peruvian fruits.
Peru has a wide range of fruits because of its varied climate, which includes the high Andes and the warm Amazon. The fruits are as diverse as the country’s landscapes.
At Machu Travel Peru, we think that enjoying Peru’s food is as essential as seeing its historic sites. Join us as we take you through some of the unique and flavorful fruits you simply must try during your visit.
Join us to explore the fruits of Peru
1. Lucuma
Lucuma, often called the “Gold of the Incas”, is a unique fruit that offers a rich, custard-like texture. Its deep yellow flesh has a sweet, complex flavor, often likened to a blend of maple syrup, sweet potato, and vanilla.
People have cherished lucuma for centuries in Peru, and they commonly use it in desserts, ice creams, and smoothies. Lucuma is not only tasty, but it is also full of vitamins and antioxidants. This makes it a healthy choice for any diet.
2. Aguaje
Aguaje, also known as cajá or Brazilian guava, is a fruit native to the Amazon region of Peru. People often compare this reddish, scaly fruit’s tangy, sweet flavor to a cross between mango and pineapple. People commonly use aguaje to make refreshing juices, and they also enjoy it fresh, straight from the peel.
Aguaje is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene. It is not only tasty but also very nutritious. This makes it a must-try for anyone visiting Peru’s tropical areas.
3. Camu Camu
Camu camu is a small, sour berry from the Amazon rainforest. It has the highest amount of vitamin C of any fruit in the world. While its sharp, tart flavor may not appeal to everyone, people often use camu camu to make juices, jams, and supplements. If you’re visiting the Amazon region with Machu Travel Peru, don’t miss the chance to try this powerful superfruit, packed with antioxidants and immune-boosting properties.
4. Chirimoya
Chirimoya, or cherimoya, is a sweet and creamy fruit. It is often called the “custard apple” because of its smooth texture and rich taste.
With its green, scaly skin and white, soft flesh, chirimoya tastes like a mix of banana, pineapple, and strawberry. People in the Andes typically enjoy this high-altitude fruit fresh, scooping it directly from its skin. The unique flavor of chirimoya is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
5. Pitanga
Pitanga, also known as the Surinam cherry, is a small, colorful fruit with a distinctive tart flavor. It comes in colors from bright red to purple. It has a refreshing and slightly sour taste.
This makes it great for juices, jellies, and traditional Peruvian drinks. Found primarily in the Amazon, pitanga is rich in antioxidants, which provide numerous health benefits. Don’t miss out on this fruit when exploring the vibrant Amazon region with Machu Travel Peru.
6. Maracuya
Maracuya, or passion fruit, is one of the most beloved tropical fruits in Peru. People often use maracuya, known for its bright yellow skin and sweet-tart pulp, to make refreshing juices, desserts, and fruit salads.
The fruit’s aromatic flavor and refreshing qualities make it an ideal treat for Peru’s hot weather. You can enjoy maracuya in a smoothie or a fresh fruit bowl. It is a key part of any Peruvian culinary adventure.
7. Granadilla
Granadilla, sometimes mistaken for maracuya, is a sweeter, milder cousin of the passion fruit. It has a vibrant orange skin and a soft, jelly-like pulp filled with tiny edible seeds.
The fruit’s light, refreshing flavor makes it a popular choice for snacking, and it’s commonly sold in local markets. Granadilla has a sweet and fragrant taste. It is a great snack to enjoy while exploring Peru’s beautiful scenery.
8. Tuna
Tuna, the fruit of the prickly pear cactus, is a delicious and nutritious option commonly found in Peru’s highland regions. This fruit has a bright pink or yellow skin and offers a mildly sweet, tangy flavor.
The flesh is juicy and speckled with tiny seeds, which are completely edible. People often enjoy tuna fresh, but they also use it to make juices, jellies, and even candies. If you’re hiking through the highlands, don’t miss the chance to try this hydrating and flavorful fruit.
9. Pepino Dulce
Pepino dulce, also known as the sweet cucumber, is a fruit native to the Andean valley regions of Peru. This melon-like fruit has a smooth, yellow or pale green skin and a juicy, mildly sweet flavor.
The flesh is crisp, refreshing, and perfect for snacking or adding to fruit salads. Its subtle sweetness makes it a great contrast to the stronger, tangy flavors of other tropical fruits. Pepino dulce is packed with vitamins and minerals and can be found in many Andean valley fruits markets, making it a great addition to your culinary journey.
10. Uva de la Islas
Uva de la Islas, or Island grapes, are a rare variety of grape found on the coastal islands of Peru. People often eat these grapes fresh because of their intense sweetness and complex flavor, but they also use them to make wines and juices. Uva de la Islas grows in a special climate by the coast. They are a hidden gem in Peru. You won’t want to miss them if you explore the coastal areas.
Peru’s fruits are a true reflection of its diverse climate and rich agricultural heritage. From the creamy sweetness of lucuma to the tangy taste of camu camu, these fruits show the country’s natural bounty. No matter where you are in Peru, these fruits are important. You could be in the Amazon jungle, the Andean highlands, or the coastal desert. They are all part of the Peruvian experience.
11. Mango
Mango is a fruit loved around the world, but Peruvian mangoes are a standout. Native to Peru’s warm coastal regions, the fruit is incredibly sweet, juicy, and fragrant. The flesh is smooth and tender, with a rich, tropical flavor that is perfect for eating fresh or blending into smoothies.
Mango is part of the biodiversity in Peru and is often used to prepare refreshing juices. And their high vitamin C content makes them a great choice for boosting your immune system. If you’re traveling through the coastal areas, make sure to try the local varieties!
“DARE TO LIVE THE LIFE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED”
Let these Peruvian fruits enhance your trip and leave you with unforgettable memories of your journey through this beautiful country.
Peru has so much to offer that it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!
