In Ecuador, different dishes are prepared from potatoes, such as locro, llapingachos, potatoes with skin, as well as a side dish to some typical dishes. It is one of the most commonly consumed foods, especially in the Sierra region, but many people do not know about its origin and properties.
Origin
According to several studies, the origin of the potato would be on the border between Peru and Bolivia, near Lake Titicaca. Its cultivation spread throughout America, and after the arrival of the Spaniards in America, they brought the tuber to Europe and thus reached the whole world.
It is known that when the potato arrived in Europe, it was not to the taste of the settlers. At first it was used to feed livestock and it took months to normalize its consumption.
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Potatoes from the Andigena group are grown throughout the Andes at altitudes varying between 2,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level, and are considered the most important primary genetic source for potato cultivation in the world. While other tetraploid potatoes, such as those of the Chilotanum group, grow in the coastal regions of Chile and are currently distributed throughout the world.
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Most potatoes are ready to harvest between 80-120 days after planting, depending on the variety. Late varieties usually need up to 200 days. Weather conditions and pests can change the time it takes for potatoes to mature.
The appearance of potato flowers indicates the beginning of tuber development. They produce small fruits, similar to tomatoes, which contain the seeds of the plant. Growers use these seeds to create new potato varieties, which is not possible with seed tubers.
Advantages
Potatoes are an excellent source of copper, calcium, iron and vitamin C, of which they can provide up to 50% of the required daily value. It is a food with anti-inflammatory properties and also contains a lot of starch: large can contain up to 65 grams.
For athletes, it can be useful because it is a fast-digesting carbohydrate. serve as fuel during exercise.
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Although potatoes have a reputation as a fattening food, they are satiating and low in calories. It is important to choose a good way of feeding them: the healthiest is cooking. A large boiled potato contains 110 calories, which is a lower energy content than rice or boiled pasta.
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It is mostly consumed in Ecuador
According to the National Institute for Agricultural Research (Iniap), potatoes are grown the most: the improved varieties Superchola, INIAP-Fripapa, INIAP-Cecilia, and autochthonous varieties such as yolk and white lioness, which represent more than half of the planted areas. in the country. the country.
INIAP has created varieties resistant to diseases, tolerant to lack of water and high quality for different market niches such as:
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Pope and child
Iniap explains that the El Niño phenomenon, which would reach Ecuador in the coming months, can cause frost, reduced or excessive amounts of precipitation, hail, which can cause losses of up to 100% of the potato crop. It can also cause an increase in diseases such as blight and rot and also an increase in pests.
To this end, an alternative to avoid the El Niño phenomenon is to determine the planting season according to climatic conditions, use of early disease-resistant varieties, integrated pest and disease management.
The main disease currently affecting potatoes and all nightshades is potato purple spot. It can cause economic losses of 50% to 100%. The symptoms are mainly characterized by the appearance of a yellow or purple color in the youngest part of the plant, branching like a witch’s broom, stems with protruding nodes, the formation of aerial tubers and, in already formed tubers, when they are split, a general brown color (phytoplasma) or streaks are observed in the pulp freckles (CaLso).
Potatoes in the world
The tuber is produced in more than 100 countries around the world. Global potato production is about 341 million tons on an area of 20 million hectares. The largest producer is China, followed by India. In Latin America, the largest producer is Peru, where, according to official data, there are about 4,000 registered potato varieties.
Source: Eluniverso
Alia is a professional author and journalist, working at 247 news agency. She writes on various topics from economy news to general interest pieces, providing readers with relevant and informative content. With years of experience, she brings a unique perspective and in-depth analysis to her work.
