Peru: The country that produces 3,500 types of potato

Potatoes took the centre stage as hundreds of Peruvians on May 30 gathered to celebrate the 10th annual Potatoes Festival in Lima. Peru boasts more than 3,500 different varieties of potato, the largest in the world.

Lima: Did you know that potato has more than 3,500 varieties? Yes , you read right and Peru is the country that boasts of this splendid fact. Red, black, white and what not- Peru's potatoes come in all colours. The variety itself occasions a grand festival, and it did just that. So hundreds of Peruvians on May 30 gathered to celebrate the 10th annual Potato Festival in Lima, Peru's capital.

During this occasion, farmers and consumers promote immense diversity of potatoes. Jaime Gallegos, market manager said, "The potato is a native product of Peru that is of increasing importance. Thirty percent of the income of vegetables that daily enters the wholesale market, is from potatoes, more than 2,300 to 2,500 tons daily, and 600,000 tons per year in Lima."

According to the Peru's Ministry of Agriculture, potato production in 2018 reached 5.1 million tons, 90% of which was sold in Peru.

Being the main component of income, potatoes contribute decisively to the Peruvian gastronomic field. It has also earned international recognition.

The festival not only promotes potatoes but also includes Peruvian foods, potato based food and beverage contests as well as other live shows.