Peruvian Sacha Inchi

by | Nov 25, 2025 | Agribusiness, Peru, Peru Export, Peruvian Products

Peruvian Sacha Inchi Seeds over a beige background

Sacha Inchi: The Amazonian Treasure Peru Must Protect and Promote

     Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis), also known as the “Inca peanut,” is one of the most remarkable superfoods native to the Peruvian Amazon. Since pre-Columbian times, Indigenous communities have valued this seed for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Today, global interest in functional foods has once again brought Sacha Inchi into the scientific and commercial spotlight. This crop stands out not only for its high omega-3 and protein content but also for its sustainable economic potential for Amazonian communities. For these reasons, Sacha Inchi should be promoted internationally and protected as part of Peru’s heritage due to its nutritional value, its contribution to rural economies, and its ecological and cultural importance.

sacha inchi green over a brown background

The health benefits of Sacha Inchi are widely documented in scientific research. Its seeds contain up to 50% oil rich in essential omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, making it one of the most concentrated plant-based sources of these compounds (News Medical, 2023). These lipids help reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while also supporting cardiovascular health and brain function. A study published in Nutrients (PMC9483583, 2022) found that regular consumption of Sacha Inchi oil improves metabolic markers in overweight individuals by lowering blood glucose levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity. According to Peru.info (2024), this superfood also strengthens the immune system, promotes cellular regeneration, and helps balance hormones, making it a healthier and more sustainable plant-based alternative to marine oils.

    Economically, Sacha Inchi represents a growing opportunity for Peru’s agro-exports. San Martín, Ucayali, Amazonas, and Loreto are the regions where the primary production is located, where the crop thrives in the humid tropical climate. According to data from Superfoods Peru (2024), Peru has increased exports of Sacha Inchi oil and seeds to the United States, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, making it one of the most promising products in the country’s superfoods portfolio. Peruvian companies such as Peruvian Nature have developed sustainable cultivation models that benefit Amazonian communities by generating employment, reducing illegal logging, and supporting reforestation through agroforestry systems. This approach shows that Sacha Inchi’s international growth not only boosts the economy but also contributes to environmental conservation.

     Sacha Inchi is available in many by-products, making it easy to incorporate into modern diets. Fresh or dried, the seeds can be roasted and eaten as a snack or added to salads and desserts. Sacha Inchi oil, known for its mild flavor and golden color, is the most popular and valued format in international markets; it is used both in cooking and in the cosmetic industry thanks to its high antioxidant and vitamin E content. Protein-rich flour obtained from pressed seeds is ideal as a supplement for athletes and vegetarian diets, and Sacha Inchi oil capsules are also available as natural dietary supplements (Healthline, 2024). 

sacha inchi oil over a wooden table

    This product range has enabled Sacha Inchi to gain visibility in health food stores, supermarkets, and on digital platforms across the Americas and Europe.

    Beyond its economic and nutritional value, Sacha Inchi carries deep cultural and ecological significance. It has been part of the ancestral diet of Amazonian peoples, who considered it a source of strength and balance. Its cultivation does not require chemical fertilizers or large areas of land, making it ideal for eco-friendly, low-impact production. Additionally, it contributes to reforestation and soil protection in degraded areas. Given this context, it is essential to protect Sacha Inchi as a Peruvian biogenetic heritage resource, especially against risks such as biopiracy or the appropriation of local varieties by foreign companies without recognizing Indigenous communities (Sinchi.org.co, 2023). Legal protection and origin certification are necessary steps to ensure that the benefits of this crop remain in the hands of Peruvians.

    Finally, international promotion of kiwicha must go hand in hand with policies for protection and designation of origin. Just    However, some critics argue that Sacha Inchi faces challenges in consolidating its presence in global markets due to the lack of standardized oil quality and high production costs. This is compounded by limited industrialization in Peru, which reduces its competitiveness compared to better-known vegetable oils like olive or chia oil. Nevertheless, these limitations can be overcome through investment in research and technology, as well as through international certifications such as organic or Fair Trade. The growing consumer interest in natural and sustainable superfoods creates an opportunity that Peru must seize through public policies and business partnerships.

Peruvian sacha inchi seeds over a marble table

Conclusion

    Sacha Inchi is much more than an Amazonian seed: it is a symbol of the balance between health, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Its extraordinary nutritional benefits, its potential to strengthen rural economies, and its role in ecological conservation make it a strategic resource for Peru. Promoting its responsible export and protecting it as a national treasure not only supports sustainable economic development but also honors the ancestral legacy of the communities that cultivate it. The world needs superfoods that nourish without harming the planet, and Peruvian Sacha Inchi is ready to take its place.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Luis Henry Contreras Del Aguila
Food Industries Engineer Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva- Tingo Maria- Peru
Master in Agribusiness Administration ESAN University – Lima-Peru
CEO, Country Agribusiness

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