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The Andean Potato in the Inca Time.

The andean potato played a fundamental role in the Inca civilization, being one of the most important crops in their economy and diet. Here are some key aspects about the potato in the Inca era:

Agriculture and Cultivation:

  • The Incas developed advanced agricultural techniques for potato cultivation, including agricultural terraces on mountainsides. Which allowed them to grow crops at high altitudes.
  • They used a crop rotation system and soil conservation practices to maintain the fertility of the land.

Diversity and Selection:

  • The Incas cultivated hundreds of varieties of potatoes, selecting those that best adapted to different altitudes and climatic conditions. This genetic diversity helped them ensure food security.

Storage and Conservation:

  • They developed efficient methods for storing and preserving potatoes, such as chuño, a technique that involves dehydrating potatoes. By freezing and drying them in the sun. This allowed them to store potatoes for long periods of time, ensuring a constant food supply.

Nutrition and Food:

  • The potato was a staple food in the Inca diet, providing an important source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
  • They prepared it in a variety of ways, including boiling, roasting, and in stews. They also used chuño in various culinary preparations.

Culture and Religion:

  • In Inca society, the potato held cultural and religious significance. They held ceremonies and rituals in honor of Pachamama (Mother Earth) to give thanks for the harvests.
  • Archaeologists believe that ancient civilizations in the Lake Titicaca region, on the border between Peru and Bolivia, domesticated the potato about 8,000 years ago.

Trade and Economy:

  • The Inca economy considered the potato an important commodity. They traded it between different regions of the empire, which helped integrate and sustain the vast network of territories under Inca rule.
  • The Inca times show the importance of the potato not only in their economy and diet, but also in their culture and advanced agricultural practices, many of which Andean farmers still use today.

Names of Potato Varieties.

The Andes, especially in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, are one of the richest regions in potato diversity in the world. Here are some of the main varieties of Andean potatoes:

  • Yellow Potato: With a creamy texture and sweet flavor, it is excellent for purees and soups.
  • Huamantanga Potato: With a smooth texture, it is used in purees and has a very pleasant flavor.
  • Peruanita Potato: Recognized for its yellow skin with pink spots, it is highly valued for its flavor.
  • Canchán Potato: Also known as pink potato, it has a reddish skin and is ideal for stews.
  • Black Potato: With dark skin and white flesh, it is resistant to pests and diseases.
  • White Potato: Very versatile, it adapts well to many preparations.
  • Huayro Potato: With reddish skin and yellow flesh, it is highly appreciated for its flavor.
  • Purple Potato: It has purple skin and flesh, rich in antioxidants.
  • Oca Potato: A small, elongated potato with a sweet flavor when cooked.
  • Yacon Potato: It has a sweet, apple-like flavor and is eaten raw or cooked.

Andean potatoes are not only diverse in appearance and flavor, but also in their adaptability to different altitudes and climatic conditions. This has allowed Andean farmers to develop a wide variety of potatoes over the centuries, contributing to the region’s rich culinary tradition.