4,000 varieties of potato

Published by

on

Why is this food interesting?

Native potatoes, with their rich history and diverse varieties, have taken the culinary world by storm. Originating in the Andes, the International Potato Center in Peru has identified an astounding 4,000 native varieties. What makes them truly fascinating is not just their variety but also their efficiency in food production.

According to the International Potato Center, potatoes are not only the most popular Andean crop worldwide but also one of the most water-efficient. They produce more food for the water used compared to other major crops, being up to seven times more water-efficient than cereals (Datos y Cifras de la Papa. International Potato Centre, September 26, 2017).

Image credit: International Potatoe Center

How are potatoes consumed?

For consumers to be able to appreciate the variety of native potatoes, I will focus on consumption occasions when the produce is presented unpeeled and whole, such as when consumers are roasting and grilling. The USA Department of Agriculture website designates potatoes as the most consumed vegetable in the United States.

When are these potatoes consumed?

In North America, home cooks seek convenience, appreciating recipies with few ingredients and minimul preparation steps. With this mindset, summer BBQs and winter roasts are quite popular. Consider trying this recipe for skewered grilled potatoes for further visualization of the consumption occasion.

Oven roasted potatoes by loveandlemos.com

What offer can help us visualize an innovation?

In the quest for innovation, The Little Potato Company stands out, offering excellent convenience with their “ready-to-cook” potatoes, perfect for roasting and grilling. Check out their video on their YouTube channel for further insight into their offerings.

video credit: Little Potato Co. YouTube channel

What are your thoughts on this potential for native potatoes? I invite you to leave a comment here. Let’s delve into the world of potatoes and unearth the possibilities together!

2 responses to “4,000 varieties of potato”

  1. Ximena Leon Avatar
    Ximena Leon

    Wow I had no idea!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. enricoraffaelli Avatar
    enricoraffaelli

    Very interesting, one could write a history of the world through food. Potatoes were imported to Europe after the “discovery” of America. A lot of innovations in the way they have been consumed have been taking place, and keep taking place.

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to enricoraffaelli Cancel reply