Pupusa de Loroco con Queso
Pupusa de Loroco con Queso is a traditional Salvadoran thick corn tortilla stuffed with a savory filling of melted cheese and the fragrant, edible flower buds of the loroco vine. It is a beloved national dish, often served with curtido (a tangy cabbage slaw) and tomato salsa. The loroco bud imparts a unique, slightly floral and earthy flavor that is iconic in Central American cuisine.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
As a staple, it is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the corn masa, with a good amount of protein and fat from the cheese filling. A single pupusa provides a moderate calorie count, typically around 250-350 calories, and offers calcium from the cheese and some fiber from the corn.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 560 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 68 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 920 mg |
| Calcium | 380 mg |
| Iron | 4.2 mg |
| Potassium | 310 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 µg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 95 µg DFE |
Per 2 pupusas (260 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The loroco flower bud is a culinary gem unique to Central America, prized for its distinctive aroma that cannot be replicated by other ingredients. Nutritionally, it adds not just flavor but also antioxidants and vitamins to the dish, making it a culturally significant and flavorful component of Salvadoran identity.
