5 superfoods from Peru in high demand worldwide

Foods that stand out globally for their high nutritional value.

Peru is not just famous for its mouthwatering traditional dishes or breathtaking landscapes. It is also known for its diverse range of foods with high nutritional value, keeping our bodies strong and healthy.

Due to this, the desire for fruits like lucuma and strawberry, or quinoa and maca, has been steadily rising across different global markets, with their consumption becoming increasingly widespread. Here, we will highlight some of these superfoods and how well they are doing in international markets.

Quinoa

Often referred to as the "Inkas' grain," quinoa was domesticated over 3,000 years ago in the Peruvian Andes. It is regarded as crucial for ensuring food security in numerous countries globally, as stated by the UN World Food Program.

Peru, recognized as the world's top exporter of quinoa, has expanded its reach to 70 international markets, with the United States and Canada being its primary destinations. Quinoa production across the nation has seen a significant boost over the past decade, increasing by an average of 9.0% annually. In 2013, the production stood at 52,130 tons, soaring to 113,355 tons by 2022, as reported by Midagri in 2023.

Photography: Fernando Lopez / PROMPERÚ

Maca

More than 3,000 years old, this edible root was considered a gift from the gods by pre-Columbian cultures. Its use intensified during the Inka Empire, as ancient Peruvians discovered its high carbohydrate content provided energetic properties.

According to Agrodata, Peru exported 2,969,638 kilos of maca flour in 2023, totaling  USD 23,597,578. The largest market was the United States, which imported USD 5,547,000 worth, followed by Ecuador, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, the Netherlands, and Germany. In the first quarter of 2024, exports of this Peruvian superfood grew by 24.2 %, rising from 200 to 248 tons (Source: Agraria.pe).

Photography: Yayo Lopez / PROMPERÚ

Sacha inchi

Originating from the Peruvian Amazon, this plant has seeds rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9. Sacha inchi oil is highly valued for its essential fatty acids, which can help alleviate irritable bowel issues.

Known as "the Inka's peanut" during the Tahuantinsuyo era, it had an impressive export performance in 2020. According to the Association of Exporters (ADEX), international sales of sacha inchi oil totaled USD 3.3 million, marking a 52.8 % increase from the previous year.

Photography: Yayo Lopez / PROMPERÚ

Golden berry

Ranked among the top five foods produced in Peru, the golden berry is renowned for its high antioxidant content, which helps reduce cellular aging and arterial hypertension. Native to the Peruvian Andes, the golden berry was one of the most consumed fruits by the Inka nobility.

Regarding international shipments, this superfood reached 318.7 tons between January and September 2023, with the main markets being the Netherlands and the United States.

Photography: Yayo Lopez / PROMPERÚ

Lucuma

Known worldwide as the "gold of the Inkas," lucuma is one of Peru's top fruit exports. Its sweet flavor makes it perfect for a variety of desserts, and its high potassium, mineral, vitamin, and carbohydrate content offers numerous health benefits.

Peru is a major producer of lucuma. From January to November 2023, it exported 458.9 tons to 23 different markets.

Photography: Mario Silva / PROMPERÚ

Did you know?

Superfoods are a category of foods packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them great for preventing diseases and boosting the immune system.