Peru (Huánuco): The blue potato variety that the industry is testing

The native blue quiti potato from Huánuco, Peru, is gaining attention for its high-quality, bluish flesh, showing significant commercial potential for specialized industrial processing, particularly in the growing potato chip snack market. Identified through field studies led by engineer Alejandro Mendoza Aguilar from local farmer collections, this variety passed technical assessments in both Peru and Europe, demonstrating its industrial, commercial, and culinary value. Key Findings and Potential

• Unique Characteristics: The blue quiti features distinct blue skin and flesh, suitable for specialized industrial snack production due to its color, texture, and frying behavior [Source: Text provided].
• Commercial Scaling: Production has grown significantly, with local farmers in Huánuco scaling up from ~10 to 150 tons annually under formal contracts [Source: Text provided].
• International Demand: The potato is suitable for international markets (USA, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay), driven by industrial interest in unique, colored potato varieties [Source: Text provided].
• Production Advantages: Huánuco’s climate allows for year-round cultivation, unlike other seasonal areas [Source: Text provided].
• Nutritional Value: Native potatoes, including, are considered "superfoods" due to high antioxidant content (carotenoids, flavonoids) that promote cardiovascular health [Source: Text provided]. 

The discovery highlights the importance of preserving Andean biodiversity, with Huánuco hosting over 400 native varieties, many of which remain untapped [Source: Text provided].