There’s only one thing more super than a superfood. And that’s one from far, far away. Since March this year, the Commercial Office of the Embassy of Peru located in Delhi has granted fitness junkies in India access to exotic options ranging from purple corn to lucuma. The latter, in case you were wondering, is quite similar to an avocado. Whether you’re looking for a source of anti-oxidants or simply a flavour booster in your next salad, these choices promise a rainbow of colour and benefits. We’ve tracked down our top picks from across 30 varieties of superfoods produced in Peru, which are all but a click away.
If you’re wondering how different these exotic options are in comparison to those here in India, Anupam Sehgal, co-founder and partner of Think Tanc, a turnkey Hospitality Consultants group, vouches for their superior quality. “The Peruvian quinoa is like the champagne of wine in types of quinoas. It’s a ‘no fuss’ ingredient to make a great salad out of, and especially goes well with avacado. I make this at home at least twice a week as I am extremely diet conscious. It’s high on protein, and contains twice as much fibre as most other grains do. This grain will keep you energised and not only can this be your mid-meal, it’s great as a main meal by itself.”
He is not alone to think highly of the superfoods. “Hrithik Roshan, Arjun Rampal and Farhan Akhtar are some of the big names who enjoy quinoa on their plates, says celebrity chef Vicky Ratnani, who uses it as an alternative to rice in some of his biryani and pulao preparations. While he does admit that they do not particularly up flavour levels, he is quick to point out, “These superfoods add to the nutritional value of a dish. At my kitchen, we now regularly use buckwheat or quinoa flour instead of ordinary wheat flour to make rotis.”
Closer home in Chennai, expat Chef Willi lets on that he’s always looking to weave more superfoods into his menus. “At home, I have the Peruvian quinoa, kañiwa (a seed that grows in the Andes of South America) and amaranth, which I slip into breads, salads and casseroles. I even recommend them with lentils.” Far-flung choices aside, there’s no reason to wait for your next purchase, what with several desi miracle workers already in your kitchen. Think ginger, coconut oil and the ever versatile, turmeric. Now you know why folks abroad can’t get enough of those turmeric lattes! But for the moment, we’re headed to the land of South America for a boost of good health.
Here we go...
Purple corn
Said to be rich in cell-protecting anti-oxidants and capable of helping you control diabetes, purple corn, like its name suggests, is a bright purple coloured version of the regular table corn. Though both belong to the same botanical species, they differ a lot from one another based on the added nutrients in the purple counterpart. Purple corn might slowly be moving towards the category of functional food — the basic food that is suggested to be included in a daily diet.
Available @ Rs 550 per kg at leading departmental stores
Peruvian Quinoa
Grown in different parts of South America, Peruvian Quinoa is popularly known to be the gluten-free
alternative to other starchy grains that we consume.This grain contains considerable amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids that are healthy for your heart. Available in red, black and white variants, the seed or grain is also known to be helpful in controlling type-2 diabetes and colon cancer.
Available @ Rs 270 for 500 grams on amazon.in
Camu camu
Resembling a big cherry or a grape, this small yet miraculous fruit is now considered a health supplement. Camu Camu, another Peruvian superfood, is supposed to be a natural anti-oxidant that can help develop your immune system, reduce inflammation and detoxify your entire system.
Camu Camu powder available @ Rs 482 for 30 grams on amazon.in
Peruvian Avocado
We all know avocado as the rich and buttery fruit that can be so versatile and fit into your sandwich and your milkshake. Peruvian avocados are no different, except for the fact that they are, texture-wise, a little less buttery and are known to have the “good” kind of fats that are normally found in olive oil and many kinds of nuts. Evidently, they help in keeping one’s cholesterol levels in check.
Available @ Rs 600 per kg at leading departmental stores and naturesbasket.co.in
Lucuma
Similar to an avocado of sorts, the tasty fruit has a silky and creamy texture and is said to be rich in Carotene that protects the human DNA from cancer, and also gives the fruit its bright orange colour. The fruit is also rich in iron and fibre, along with Vitamin B3, that is said to aid one out of depression.
Lucuma @ Rs 500 per kg at leading departmental stores
Sacha inchi
Also known as Inca peanuts and commonly grown in the highlands of Peru, these seeds may be described as the most nutritious of this lot, for being rich in protein, omega 3, 6 and 9, alpha tocopherol vitamin E, carotenoids and fibre. This seed is said to help in healthy muscle building and proper digestion, and in turn helps you lose weight.
Available @ Rs 1,300 for 250 grams on amazon.in
Closer home
Chia seeds and black seed
These little black seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients, filled with calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, phosperous and pholic acid. With a bitter taste, these seeds are black in colour and are a West Asian superfood. These seeds are so full of nutrients that some people allege they are a remedy for all diseases except death.
Chia seeds available @ Rs 155 for 100 grams at any leading departmental store. Black seeds available @ Rs 180 per 100 grams at all leading departmental stores
Red jujube dates
A Chinese superfood, these bright red dates are known to clear five of your senses — through the eyes, nose, ears, throat and sinuses. It also helps in digestion and detoxification.
Available @ Rs 4,000 for 500 grams on amazon.in
Kaala jamun/ Black plum
A country-based alternative to the foreign blueberries, this is a popular summer fruit in India, known to relieve stomach pains along with being anti-scorbutic and diuretic. The vinegar in the fruit is said to
help with digestion.
Available @ Rs 110 for 250 grams at fruit stalls across the country