Tag: Peru

For centuries, oca has been a vital part of rural Andean diets, a fact highlighting its deep cultural and culinary roots in South America. However, while Peru and Bolivia are home to the greatest oca diversity, a significant amount is also consumed in New Zealand, making its global culinary footprint surprisingly diverse.

Did you know that nearly all Brazil nuts are harvested from wild trees in the Amazon rainforest?. These valuable nuts are not farmed on plantations, making their supply uniquely dependent on a complex ecosystem that faces growing threats from climate change and deforestation.

The brilliant red carmine dye, used for centuries in textiles and food coloring, is derived from the tiny, parasitic cochineal insect. But where do you find cochineal parasites, and what is their natural habitat? These fascinating insects live exclusively on prickly pear cactus plants throughout the Americas.

While many exotic fruits hail from Peru, a rich tradition stretching back to the ancient Incas identifies lucuma as a culturally significant food. The creamy, nutritious lucuma is the delicious answer to the question: **What is the national fruit of Peru?** This article dives into its history and powerful health benefits that make it a modern superfood staple.