Earth Day: 5 Superfoods you should try

Mother Earth has blessed Peru with a rich biodiversity and nutritious fruits that come from her. On Earth Day, we remember the importance of taking care of our environment through 5 Peruvian superfoods.

Earth Day is celebrated every April 22 to remind us that we must protect our only home, the planet Earth, through reflection and, above all, action. The environment is fragile and needs us to be aware of the actions that can affect it such as pollution, deforestation, and global warming, among many others. Peru is recognized for its biodiversity and its environment rich in unique natural components. Among them, its fruits are so nutritious and 100% natural that they grow and are harvested in the fertile territory and that in turn serve as an input for delicious dishes.

Peru, a country of superfoods

Did you know that the Peruvian Andes are an essential part of one of the most important diversity centers in the world? These diversity centers are sites of genetic resources of crops that are characterized by a long agricultural history and by having great ecological and cultural diversity. Peru is one of the world's most outstanding centers of diversity of genetic resources, both in plants and animals.

It almost has 4,400 species of native plants of known uses, including those with food (787 species), medicinal (1,408 species), and ornamental (1,600 species) properties. Peru has a high genetic diversity of two of the four most important crops for human consumption in the world (wheat, rice, potato, and corn): potato and corn. In addition, Peru is the country with the greatest diversity of potatoes in the world, with 8 native domesticated species and 2301 of the more than 4000 varieties that exist in Latin America (MIDAGRI); these benefits not only the food of citizens but also the economy of more than 700 thousand families of farmers (INIA).

On the other hand, Peru is the first country in varieties of peppers, corn (36 species), Andean grains, tubers, and Andean roots. Therefore, it has an important number of fruit species (650).

What are superfoods?

Peruvian superfoods are those natural foods of high nutritional quality grown on its territory. They are recognized worldwide for their positive properties for the human organism. Peru is one of the countries that shines with its production.

Below are some of the superfoods of the Peruvian jungle:

1. Sacha Inchi

Also known as the "peanut of the Inca", due to its great importance during the empire. This grain has many nutritional properties. Its seeds are an important source of Omega 3, 6, and 9, and it contains a balance of polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids, which are even better than the fish ones. To help counter irritable bowel problems, and contribute to the decrease of the number of triglycerides and other fats produced in the liver are among its benefits.

Sacha Inchi oil is recognized for its content of essential fatty acids, so it is recommended to consume it during the meals of the trip you have because it will keep you healthy at every stop and tourist activity.

In which regions is it cultivated? Amazonas, San Martín, Huánuco, Junín y Ayacucho.

2. Camu

It is a fruit native to the Peruvian Amazon, with an acidic flavor and a red or green color. It is rich in vitamin C (10 times more than orange, and 50 times more than lemon!), which also contains bioactive compounds that can prevent or delay cardiovascular disease and even cancer. Another of its benefits is that it provides diverse kinds of amino acids to the body, in addition to nutrients such as sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and copper.

Due to its high content of vitamin C, it is recommended to consume it when you dare to do adventure sports, as it helps keep cells and cartilage healthy, as well as helps to heal wounds. You can consume it in juices, desserts, ice cream, jams, etc.

In which regions is it cultivated? Amazonas, Loreto y Ucayali.

3. Yucca

The popular tuber that has been cultivated in Latin America for more than 4,000 years, has nutritional properties very similar to potatoes. It provides energy, ideal for athletes or for situations that require physical wear and tear, such as long walks or full days of lots of adventure. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, which allow optimal development and growth. In addition, if you are looking to lose weight, it is recommended to consume it because it contains little fat and is easy to digest, which is very positive for those who suffer from gastritis, heartburn, colitis, or ulcers.

You can consume yucca with local meals or snacks, in the traditional "Masato" drink, as flour, and much more.

In which regions is it cultivated? Amazonas, Loreto, Ucayali, Cajamarca y San Martín.

4. Chestnut

It is a dried fruit, with a high content of vitamins and minerals. It also has calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which helps the development and health of the bone system and is a source of vitamins B1 and B6, the latter helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, and both vitamins contribute to the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is ideal to eat as a snack on an afternoon of travel and thus replenish the fatigue caused by the long routes.

In which region is it cultivated? Madre de Dios.

5. Cat's claw - (Uña de gato)

The famous Cat's Claw is a plant widely used in traditional medicine to relieve joint pain. It is anti-inflammatory and helps improve the immune system. It is also used as a detoxifier to treat colitis, gastritis, ulcers, and hemorrhoids.

To improve your immune system before your travel adventure, you can try the Cat's Claw in any of its presentations: infusions, extracts, or capsules.

In which regions is it cultivated? San Martín, Madre de Dios y Junín.

Mother Earth has been generous with Peru and has provided it with a varied pantry of products that are part of delicious recipes of great nutritional value and flavor. You already know it! Travel around Peru and taste its incredible fruits, vegetables, and grains.

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