This is where the humble potato was first domesticated. Today, the potato is the fourth largest food crop, after rice, wheat, and maize (corn). 45 Interesting facts about Peru. [9] For thousands of years, South American indigenous people used the potato as a staple food crop, but it remained completely unknown to the rest of the world until the 16th century. More Peruvian than the potato Potatoes Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Potatoes are part of many dishes, from many centuries back. The potato goes back in time—way back to native tribes in the Andes almost 10,000 years ago. The International Potato Center (CIP) was founded in 1971 as a research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato and andean roots and tubers. Peru is home to 3000 types of domesticated potato and almost 100 types of corn. In order to popularize potatoes in France, Antoine-Augustin Parmentier placed armed guards around his potato fields, instructing the guards to accept all bribes and allow people to “steal” the crop. The myriad types found at Mil are due in part to Peru’s latest potato pioneer, Manuel Choqque Bravo. Purple potatoes are vibrant, versatile and nutritious, making them a must-have for any seasoned spud-lover. Proud Peruvians use the phrase “Soy mas Peruano que la papa” (I am more … They are low in calories and are full of fiber, potassium and vitamin C. A Brief History. 10. 2. Potatoes of Peru Peru is a land of incredible potato biodiversity. WTF Fun Fact – Peru Potatoes March 30, 2020 Peru is home to ~3800 different types of potatoes, having been domesticated there some ~10,000 years ago. One of the most interesting facts about Peru, considering that potato is now being grown almost all over the world. The first people in the world to cultivate the potato were the Native Americans who occupied what is now Peru as far back as 10,000 years ago. – Source 2. Check out these 12 interesting facts about Peru to learn more about one of our favorite destinations in South America.. Caral-supe is believed to be the oldest site occupied by … The potato was first domesticated in the region of modern-day southern Peru and extreme northwestern Bolivia between 8000 and 5000 BC. Each of the different sizes, shapes, colors, skin, texture, and pulp change the taste slightly and allow the different potatoes to be used in distinct Potatoes – The Crop That Powers Worldwide Dishes. The entire site and domain are for sale. One Peru food fact kept cropping up again and again: Peru is known for growing over 3000 kinds of potatoes. https://www.limaeasy.com/peruvian-food-guide/typical-potatoes, WTF Fun Fact – California Pipevine Swallowtail, the curiosity sang happy birthday to itself, the american president has to pay for his meals, king of thailand was born in massachusetts, WTF Fun Fact – French Soldier Becomes Swedish King. And today, Peru is the potato capital of the world, with amazing diversity in potatoes. On the shelves of Irish supermarkets you'll find at most a handful of varieties. 02 Potato’s roots trace back to Peru where the Incas natives were the first to grow the crop. The International Potato Center in Peru has preserved almost 5,000 varieties. Cultivation of potatoes in South America may go back 10,000 years, but tubers do not preserve well in the archaeological record, making identification difficult. Potatoes have almost all nutrients humans need to survive. The potato is originally from Peru, and there are over 3,000 different varieties. Here are 10 interesting facts about Peru. Although potatoes have a reputation of causing weight gain, studies show that the type of potato you choose and how the potato is prepared could make a difference.. No European, African, or Asian had seen or eaten a potato before the 16th century. Note–all blue and purple Peruvian varieties have higher starch content and a floury texture Flavor: earthy, nutty, low sugar content Preferred Uses: roasting, grilling, salads, baking For someone who loves ocean surfing, you will be impressed to learn that Peru is one of the best surfing locations in the world. Fact: When the Spaniards arrived in Peru they found and discovered the potatoes and transferred it to Spain at the beginning of the 16th century. The Inca Indians in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8,000 BC to 5,000 B.C. Peru is a colorful land of textiles, ancient ruins, and incredible culture. Fact 3: Mashed potatoes, French fries and chips – all of your favorite snacks owe their origin to Peru. Ireland might be famous for potatoes but the crop is originally from the Andes mountains. In fact, scientists in Peru recently tested a variety of potato so resilient it could grow on Mars! Scientists believe that the first potatoes were grown in the Lake Titicaca region. Since wild potatoes contain some toxins and are bitter, growers in Peru have worked for centuries to pick out the best ones for further growth. https://www.aracari.com/blog/stories/a-guide-to-peruvian-potatoes With these facts about Peru, let us explore more about it. Your email address will not be published. As a result, potatoes evolved and were bred to be larger so that they could feed more people. There are thousands of varieties of corn and potatoes that grow throughout the highlands. Peru: The potato has been essential to the diet of Peruvians for millennia. Sweet potatoes, corn, and yucca (another root vegetable) are also prevalent. Sitemap, « Peruvian Spanish Food Vocabulary – Language Tips For Your Trip, Butifarra Sandwich – The Essential Peruvian Ham Sandwich ». Appearance: small to medium-size; oblong to fingerling; deep purple, blue or slightly red skin; blue, purple lavender, pink or white flesh Texture: moist; firm flesh. Han Leon Stock / Shutterstock To prove this, the Executive… 3000 kinds of potatoes is a pretty impressive number. Almost 60% of the country is covered by rainforest. There are over 3,800 different types of Potato in Peru. Archaeological evidence indicates that potato was cultivated in the Peruvian Andes 8 000 years ago, and recent research suggests the potato's center of origin lies in Peru, just north of Lake Titicaca. 04 Potato varieties have grown over the centuries, and there are around 100 of the edible kind. Potatoes grown in Peru come in a variety of colors, shapes, and flavors. Peru is home to ~3800 different types of potatoes, having been domesticated there some ~10,000 years ago. Please contact us at admin@limaeasy.com if you are interested in purchase of this website. Here are 15 Interesting Potato facts. 03 Despite its appearance, potato is made up of 80% water and only 20% of solid. It’s also home to one of America’s favorite foods – and an interesting national dish! Instead of loading up on the french fries, potato chips or processed potato-based products, … Potatoes were domesticated approximately between 8000 and 5000 BC. 1. Thank you for making us your #1 english-language resource for Lima and Peru for many years. They differ in size, shape, color, skin, pulp, texture, and taste. While most of the Amazon Rainforest is located in Brazil, the Peruvian part makes up about 60% of the country’s total land area. Potato was first introduced in Europe by Spain in 1536, and the Spanish claim that that Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada was the first to introduce the potato to Europe. Purple Potato Information. Choclo corn cobs are enormous kernels that aren’t as delicious as the sweet corn we all know and love. They differ in size, shape, color, skin, pulp, texture, and taste. 6 Thank Peru For The Potato. Click here for the full Papas A La Huancaína Recipe. Since then, over 5,000 varieties of potato can be found all over the world, with at least 3,800 belonging to Peru. The range of potatoes in a single Andean field, Zimmerer observed, … The high yields of potato crops allowed even the poorest farmers to produce healthy food with very little resources. The potato originated in the region of southern Peru where it was first domesticated between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. 1-5 Potato Facts 1. Photo: Shutterstock. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Peru or the Constitutional Republic of Peru is located in South America. As mentioned in the Peru food facts above, the main staples of a Peruvian diet include corn and potatoes. 12 Interesting Facts About Peru . When the Spanish conquistadors conquered the Inca Empire, the first thing they exported to Europe was the potato, where it was quickly adopted as a cheap, easy to grow food crop. 2. The potato is native to in the Andes, likely somewhere in present-day Peru or Bolivia. In the late 1800s, the modern-day russet potato was born. Peru claims almost 4,000 varieties of potato. Hence the potatoes spread to all European countries and began to be used daily in human nutrition. Potato Facts: Origins of the Potato The potato, from the perennial Solanum tuberosum, is the world’s fourth largest food crop, following rice, wheat, and maize. In fact, research shows potatoes are a great tool in weight loss. With a 1.5 mile long tidal wave that you can surf, be sure to hit its coastlines and surf the wave. The earliest archaeologically verified potato tuber remains have been … Due to ongoing costs of operation, Lima Easy is now offline. I live in Ireland where arguably the potato has been pretty important throughout history. 01 Potato is a vegetable. You can also subscribe without commenting. #1. A part of the Inca empire once upon a time, they were colonized by the Spanish and from then the country is fighting dictatorship and several other rebellions. The earliest archaeologically verified potato tuber remains have been found at the coastal site of Ancon (central Peru), dating to 2500 BC. The Plateau region is commonly where they have been grown, and it yields over 9 tons of potatoes per hectare each year. Potatoes Become One of the Top 5 Most Important Crops in the World Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about this Peruvian food and some popular & delicious dishes made with it. 1. – WTF Fun Facts, Source: https://www.limaeasy.com/peruvian-food-guide/typical-potatoes. It delivers innovative science-based solutions to enhance access to affordable nutritious food, foster inclusive sustainable business and employment growth, and drive the climate resilience of root … Of the nearly 5000 potato varieties found worldwide, over 3500 varieties are grown in Peru.