The Purple Potatoes of the Andes

 (3-minute read)

Food is a beautiful thing. It enriches our taste buds and in turn gives us the fuel we need to keep on living. But how much we know about the food we eat is a different story. 

Take for example the Purple Potatoes of the Andes. Found in Peru, these potatoes are very unique with their vibrant purple color that has a bit more than what attracts to the eyes. 

These potatoes are found high up in the Andes mountains of Peru. What makes these potatoes a bit different is the high amounts of a flavonoid pigment called Anthocyanins that are in them. These pigments are responsible for the red, blue and purple colors found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, they receive this flavonoid through the plants in this region. Hence, it’s a rather rare color to see in certain foods such as these potatoes. 

Another factor that plays in the color of the potato is the high altitude it’s in. This does not cause the color but rather enhances it, it gives it the deep vibrant color of purple. Reason being is since it’s high up in the mountains, the sun is effectively much closer to the ground, thus the intense sunlight and UV Radiation from it, causes a greater production of Anthocyanin resulting in a deeper, rich color.  

But it’s not just a pretty sight to see, these potatoes are very nutritional. The higher concentration of anthocyanin is also a powerful antioxidant, that can reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. 

They also have the following properties: 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties which can help reduce inflammation in the body and may benefit conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. 

Rich in Potassium which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. 

Fiber to support healthy digestion. 

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals such as Vitamin C, B6 and Iron. 

And a natural detoxification compound called Chlorogenic Acid which can help detoxify the liver and reduce the formation of harmful compounds in the body. 

All of this contributes to their nutritional value. So not only do they look cool, they are very good for our bodies. 

I believe it is very important to research what you eat. You want to know what goes in your body so that you not only prolong your life, but also feel good. And getting these facts on natural foods that come from the ground is a start to knowing what you eat that will benefit you in the long run. 

Keep in mind it's not just these purple potatoes, there's also purple corn, purple asparagus, purple bell peppers (this one interests me a lot) and purple carrots and a lot of other vegetables with this unique trait. So, the next time you see this color in your favorite vegetable, it's a good sign that it could have come from Peru in the Andes Mountains.

And now that you know a little bit about the Purple Potatoes of the Andes, it may be a good idea to put it in your bucket list of places to visit when you look for your next travel location.