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Varieties of purple potatoes have several dozen varieties. They differ in taste, aroma, yield and other indicators. Coloring can also vary – in some tubers it is pure lilac, in others it is reddish, pinkish and even light cream.
The story of
Several dozen varieties of purple potatoes with purple flesh have been bred. However, they have been known for more than two centuries. The first mention refers to 1812 – then the Vitelot variety was described. Also, similar crops are mentioned in the agricultural directory of France (the entry is dated 1817).
Many scientists agree that such plants come from the countries of South America – Bolivia and Peru. Here, purple potatoes are common today.
For a long time, scientists did not pay attention to this culture, preferring to select traditional white-fleshed potatoes. However, purple varieties spread to Europe and parts of Asia as early as the 19th century.
Gradually, interest in such potatoes increased, demand increased, and prices rose. Breeders set about breeding varieties of dark purple potatoes. Wild-growing varieties with the same or a different color were taken as the basis. The result is both varieties and hybrids.
In Our Country, purple varieties of potatoes have been actively spread since 2007, after the First International Congress was held. Tubers of an unusual lilac color were presented by breeders from South Korea (National University of Kangwon). This served as an impetus for the development of domestic diet varieties of purple-skinned potatoes.
Features of purple potatoes
Lilac, purple varieties of potatoes have certain characteristics. They are associated not only with the appearance, but also with taste, as well as with the chemical composition. The main features are described below.
Purple varieties are characterized by an exquisite aroma.
Taste of purple potatoes
The taste of lilac tubers is about the same as white or yellow ones. But the nutty tones are clearly noticeable in the aroma, which makes the dish more piquant. If you add coconut instead of regular milk, you get a real exotic side dish. Such potatoes are suitable as a side dish for any meat and fish dishes.
Varieties of potatoes with purple flesh inside are used to prepare all kinds of dishes:
- mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes;
- fried, fries;
- stewed;
- ingredient for salads;
- crisps.
Advantages and disadvantages
Potatoes with lilac skin and flesh have quite a few benefits. Among the main advantages are the following:
- interesting appearance;
- unusual taste;
- suitable for cooking any dishes;
- contains many vitamins, minerals;
- has a high immunity to disease.
But there are also disadvantages:
- not all varieties of purple-skinned potatoes will take root in Our Country, so in the description you need to clarify in which regions they can be grown;
- the cost of planting material is much higher than traditional varieties of potatoes;
- getting tubers for planting is not always easy;
- productivity is relatively low.
Varieties of purple potatoes with photos and descriptions
Quite a few varieties of purple potatoes have been obtained. Some of them can be grown in most regions. The main crops with good yields are described below.
The vortex
This variety of purple potato is sometimes also called “Vitalot” or “Negress”. Other names are “Chinese truffle” or “Blue French truffle”. Potatoes are small, on average 70 g. The peel is a typical grayish-brown color, the flesh is a rich lilac color.
The starch content is high, so the root crops are well boiled. They are great for mashing, side dishes, but not suitable for frying. Plants of late ripening, low yield, can be grown only with the use of manual labor.
Purple potatoes cost more than many other varieties
All blue
Judging by the name, it is clear that this variety of purple potatoes with purple flesh has the whole color of the blue gamut. At the same time, the subcutaneous layer of lighter shades, and the peel, on the contrary, is darker. The variety is medium early, the crop is formed 80 days after mass shoots.
At the same time, large tubers weighing 150-200 g have time to form. But they are not subject to long-term storage – you have to eat immediately or freeze chopped potatoes in pieces or in a vegetable mixture. So far, the variety has not gained distribution in Our Country, although it has been known in Europe for quite a long time. Differs in good taste and dietary qualities.
The color of the tubers is preserved after frying and baking, but is lost after boiling.
Explosion
Variety Explosion (Explosion) has a high yield, gives large potatoes of an elongated round shape. On average, by weight, they reach 150-200 g, although individual specimens reach 300 and even 500 g. The peel and pulp are colored blue. A variety of potatoes is characterized by increased immunity, it does not require special care.
Variety Explosion gives a harvest in 65-70 days
Therefore, it is recommended to grow in small quantities in order to use the tubers as quickly as possible.
Lilac
The name of this variety of purple potatoes is associated with a characteristic color – a rich lilac color of the pulp. At the same time, the shade of the peel is normal, dark gray with brownish. This variety of domestic selection was obtained on the basis of VNIIKH. In terms of ripening, Lilac belongs to the mid-season: it takes 95-100 days to form a crop from the moment mass shoots appear.
The tubers are small, each 80-100 g. At the same time, each bush produces 10-15 potatoes, so in general the harvest is quite good. Plants are compact, have good immunity to cancer and scab.
Lilac potato tubers are formed in 3-3,5 months
red wonder
The name of this variety of purple potatoes translates as “Red Miracle”. Its flesh is lilac, light purple, retains its color even after heat treatment. Suitable for all cooking methods – frying, mashing, baking. Ripens in 80-90 days, characterized by good yield. The shape of the tubers is oblong-round, weight up to 150 g. They are located compactly in the nest. On the surface, the eyes are slightly recessed. The flowers are pinkish, the immunity is average. Long lies, can be stored for months.
The pulp of the Red Wonder variety is a rich red-violet hue.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a mid-early purple potato variety with oblong roots. It is well boiled soft, the mass fraction of starch reaches 16%. The tubers are small, weight 50-70 g. Formed in 70-80 days. The yield is satisfactory, each bush produces up to 10 tubers. The pulp is tasty, after cooking it retains its color.
It grows well on light loams, fertile soils. At the same time, any climate is suitable for cultivation – cultivation is allowed in most regions of Our Country.
Variety Amethyst is resistant to late blight, cancer and scab
Peruvian purple
This is an old potato variety that was bred in the highlands of the Andes. It gives elongated tubers weighing approximately 80 g. The maturation period is average – 100-110 days. The yield is low, but the keeping quality is excellent. Tubers are stored until spring, well transported. The taste of the pulp is very interesting, with hints of walnuts and hazelnuts. Color and flavor are preserved even after heat treatment.
The tubers of the Peruvian purple are elongated, with pronounced eyes.
Adirondack blue
A relatively recent variety obtained at Cornell University in the USA. Variety Adirondack blue medium ripening, potatoes appear in 95-100 days. The bushes of the plant are large, the foliage is purple, the flowers are white. Immunity is weak, the culture can suffer from various diseases. Tubers weighing 80-100 g, the dormant period is short, therefore they are stored poorly. Another drawback is that the pulp becomes pale after heat treatment.
The pulp of this variety does not boil well, therefore it is suitable for frying and making chips.
Blue danube
This type of potato has a purple skin and white flesh inside. It grows well on different types of soil, adapts even to adverse weather conditions. Resistant to drought, damage and all common diseases.
The harvest is formed quite quickly – 70-80 days pass from germination to the appearance of potatoes. The bushes are low, strongly leafy, the flowers are purple. The stems are quite strong, the foliage is dark green.
Root crops are large, 150-200 g each, each plant produces 8-12 pieces. The shape is elongated, slightly flattened. The yield per bush reaches 2-3 kg. Appearance is good, suitable for commercial cultivation.
Blue Danube is unpretentious, does not require special care
Gypsy
Gypsy is another type of purple potato with white flesh. According to one version, it happened due to folk selection based on the Black Prince and Blue Danube varieties (described above). The variety is mid-season, matures in 70-90 days. There are few leaves, they are small, the color is dark green, the edges are slightly wavy.
Each bush gives from 10 to 14 potatoes weighing 100-130 g. The shape is oval, often elongated, the surface is even, there are no depressions and bumps. The peel is thin, the color is purple-blue. The eyes are small, the flesh on the cut is creamy. The yield is quite high, reaching 250 kg per hundred square meters. But the marketability is small due to the heterogeneity of tubers.
Gypsy potato has a very good taste
Red Wonder
Potato variety Red Wonder (Red Wonder) with flesh of a reddish-purple hue and purple skin. The tubers are round, rather large, oblong in shape, weight up to 100-150 g. The eyes are depressed. Ripening takes 80 days. The color is retained even after boiling or frying.
Suitable for any type of heat treatment
Exotic
Exotic is the most common variety in Our Country and neighboring countries, obtained in Holland. It has good disease resistance. Gives large oval tubers. The pulp is very tasty, with an interesting patterned pattern. Violet coloration with white veins.
Flesh of an attractive purple hue with an interesting pattern
Purple Peliss (Purple Handsome)
Purple Peliss is a variety recently eaten out in the USA. Gives low bushes up to 80 cm, dark green foliage. Resistant to scab and rhizoctoniosis. The tubers are elongated, oval, the pulp contains a large proportion of water, therefore it is suitable for obtaining juice.
Potato tubers are small, with juicy pulp
Conclusion
Varieties of purple potatoes are very diverse. They provide healthy root vegetables with a high content of starch, vitamins and anthocyanins. Planting material is quite expensive, but the taste is very interesting, and the appearance is peculiar. Therefore, it is quite possible to try to grow at least 1-2 varieties in your area.
Purple Potato Reviews
