Here is a list of the most recognized Peruvian superfoods that you will be able to buy in any store or restaurant in Peru, the world capital of superfoods.

2. As we know, Peru is a rich country in many respects. From its countless archaeological ruins to its
incredible gastronomic revolution, everything in Peru is something worth knowing. And within the Andean
country, you will find numerous fruits, tubers, and seeds of great nutritional value. Therefore, it would not
be surprising that Peru is considered the world capital of superfoods. Superfoods have a great influence on
the constant growth and evolution of Peruvian cuisine. That is why, together with the travel experts at
Machu Travel Peru, we have proposed to list those Peruvian superfoods that you cannot stop trying on your
next trip. From quinoa to tarwi, you can find these superfoods in any store or restaurant in Peru. Check out
some of these amazing foods.
Peruvian superfoods you must try while in the Andean country
• Quinoa
• Cacao
• Maca
• Panela
• Coca leaf
• Sacha Inchi
• Camu Camu
• Olluco
• Kiwicha
• Tarwi

3. QUINOA
Quinoa was the preferred food of the ancient Andean
warriors who needed energy. Now, the so-called “gold of
the Incas” is the preferred food of North America, Asia,
and Europe, to name a few countries. Thanks to its high
levels of protein, fiber, magnesium, iron, lysine,
manganese, and vitamin B12, zinc, copper, and
potassium, it qualifies as one of the best Peruvian
superfoods. This star ingredient is great for digestion and
is only a seed. On your next trip to Peru, you will find
different types of Quinoa, all wonderful for your health.
Quinoa helps prevent heart disease and high cholesterol
levels, not to mention its amazing and delicious taste.
This superfood usually grows in the Andean regions of
Peru and is boiled like a grain. Many Peruvian desserts
include quinoa as one of their main ingredients.

4. CACAO
Cocoa is one of the most recognized Peruvian superfoods
worldwide. Cacao is native to the Amazon basin and the
surrounding Andean regions in Peru, Ecuador, and
Colombia. This superfood is rich in minerals, antioxidants,
and vitamins, among other excellent characteristics. Its
consumption helps protect the heart and is a natural
mood enhancer. This incredible food contains more
calcium per cup than the same milk cow. Many of the
cocoa processing techniques tend to eliminate the many
benefits of this superfood. But fortunately, more and
more producers decide to make use of raw cocoa and
take advantage of its natural capacities. Certain tours in
Peru offer the possibility of visiting the Chocomuseum, an
incredible experience where you can learn how to make
your homemade chocolate bar.

5. MACA
This popular root is a tuber very similar in appearance to
the average potato. Maca is one of the Peruvian
superfoods whose popularity has grown in recent years. It
has also gained some popularity around the world,
especially in the United States and Canada. This root
grows at high altitudes, between 2,000 and 4,000 feet
tall. This comes in a large number of different varieties
that are distinguished by the color of the root of each
one. Maca root belongs to the same family as broccoli
and radish. It is considered one of the healthiest natural
ingredients in the world, with benefits such as improved
testosterone production, improved libido, cardiovascular
disease prevention, energizer, and much more. If you are
looking for tips for a healthy trip, we recommend you try
the delicious Peruvian Maca. A Maca breakfast can be a
great alternative to a delicious Peruvian coffee.

6. PANELA
Chancaca, also known as Panela, is one of the best
alternatives to refined sugar. Although sugar is
increasingly undeniably associated with the obesity
epidemic in the world, Panela is a much healthier
alternative to sugar. Panela is a solidified form of pure
cane sugar. Being unrefined, Chancaca is full of vitamins
and minerals such as calcium, copper, selenium, and
iron. If used in moderation, Chancaca can be a great
substitute for refined sugar or existing corn syrup.
Despite being considered a Peruvian superfood, its
consumption has to be moderate and conscientious. It
may be a bit difficult to get in markets in the United
States or elsewhere, but within the Andean lands, this is
undoubtedly an easy product to get.

7. COCA LEAF
The coca leaf is not only a Peruvian superfood, it is also
an important part of the Andean culture. It is one of the
most iconic and emblematic plants of the Andean lands.
When traveling to Cusco or Machu Picchu, you will surely
have your first contact with this magical plant.
Traditionally, people chewed this leaf to avoid fatigue and
alleviate hunger. Its natural and unrefined consumption
has to stop being related to the negative effects of
cocaine. The coca leaf is full of minerals, essential
vitamins, and alkaloids that help to cope with the great
heights of Peru. Coca stimulates the immune system,
increasing your body’s ability to metabolize negative
compounds in your body. If you plan to go for a hike, a
coca tea for altitude sickness can help you feel more
energetic and vital.
https://www.machutravelperu.com/blog/wp-
content/uploads/2020/09/peruvian-superfoods-coca-leaf.jpg

8. SACHA INCHI
As with most Peruvian superfoods, Sacha Inchi, or “Maní
Inca” was one of the favorite foods of the majestic
Incas. This star ingredient is very similar to walnut and
was consumed centuries before North American health
advocates were aware of it. The Incas used to consume
this seed before its popularity grew to give it the title of
one of the many Peruvian superfoods. This seed is rich in
omega fatty acids, protein, fiber and also contains
vitamins A and E. Being able to eat these roasted seeds
or use unrefined virgin Sacha Inchi oil has numerous
health benefits. It is beneficial for the eyes, hair, skin
and reduces cholesterol significantly. The seed and its
oil have direct benefits for the skin, hair, and eyes and
help reduce cholesterol levels. Some alternative
Peruvian ceviche recipes even include this iconic
superfood.

9. CAMU CAMU
Superfoods are considered as such due to their richness
in various and beneficial nutrients for health. A single
serving of these foods is capable of supplementing a
large number of other known foods. The Camu Camu
berry is another of the Peruvian superfoods that you
cannot miss on your next trip. This small berry with a
tangy taste is rich in vitamin C. A single serving of Camu
Camu is estimated to have 50 times more vitamin C
than can be found in an orange. Camu Camu is also
considered a natural antidepressant. The berry is reddish
and grows in the swampy regions of the Peruvian
Amazon. The fruit decomposes very quickly, so it is
usually rare to see it outside these regions. You can only
see it in powder form in most stores and places outside
of Peru. If you want to taste it fresh, better take a trip
to the source and enjoy the exclusive tourism in Peru.

10. OLLUCO
The Olluco is a tuber that has existed for thousands of
years. These have a similar appearance to the potato but
are completely different species from a botanical point of
view. Its texture, however, is much crunchier and its
flavor is also very different. This Peruvian superfood is
very popular in the cuisine of all of Peru, including it in
many dishes from the Andean lands. It is commonly used
in stews and soups, and the spinach-like leaves that
come from this plant are also used for fresh and cooked
salads. The Olluco is rich in proteins, fiber, calcium, and
vitamins A and C among other benefits. Therefore, an
Olluco broth can be highly beneficial for digestion, in
addition to providing good nutritional value to our meals.
Today, many renowned chefs decide to reinvent fusion
food dishes and add Peruvian superfoods such as Olluco.
https://www.machutravelperu.com/blog/wp-
content/uploads/2020/09/peruvian-superfoods-coca-leaf.jpg

11. KIWICHA
Quinoa is not the only Peruvian superfood in seed form.
Kiwicha, also known as amaranth, is another Peruvian
favorite and is very similar to quinoa, but smaller. Some
even choose to call it “mini quinoa”. Kiwicha is a
vegetable protein rich in amino acids, fiber, vitamin B,
phosphorus, and manganese among others. This ancient
seed was used for certain ceremonial rituals by the
Andean peoples and the ancient Incas. Today, Kiwicha is
considered a gluten-free alternative for making bread
and other delicacies. This impressive seed grows on a
plant native to South America. Kiwicha is sold in the
form of seeds and powder. It is used in endless delicious
recipes. Some very popular breakfasts are prepared with
Kiwicha. You can find it in some Peruvian street food
stalls in the morning.

12. TARWI
The favorite food of many vegans and vegetarians due to
its high protein content. As with other Peruvian
superfoods, the Tarwi is a plant that grows in the
Andean lands. This plant has an edible seed very similar
in appearance to a bean. Rich in protein and fiber, the
nutritious Tarwi legume is another of Peru’s best-kept
secrets. Tarwi is a bitter bean that requires constant
rinsing to remove certain alkaloids before being used in
different traditional Peruvian foods. It is rich in omega
fats, minerals, and has high levels of healthy fiber. Tarwi
is used in a great variety of traditional dishes belonging
to the Andean culture.

13. “YOU DON’T HAVE TO EAT LESS, YOU JUST
HAVE TO EAT RIGHT.”

14. As you can see, Peru is home to a wide variety of superfoods, many of them native to and originating
in the country. It cannot be denied that the great cuisine characteristic of Peru is linked to a large
number of healthy ingredients. We hope together with the experts from Machu Travel Peru to have
clarified some of the most important Peruvian superfoods. This is just a glimpse of everything you
can find in Peru. You can try each of these foods on your next trip to the Andean country. If you want
to know about Peruvian gastronomy, you can consult for free with our qualified advisers.
Peru has so much to offer, 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!
Visit: www.machutravelperu.com