The potato (called patata in many countries) is a tuber native to the highlands of South America. Its scientific name is Solanum tuberosum. It is one of the four most important food products on the planet, along with wheat, rice, and corn. It is estimated that there are 5,000 varieties of potato in the world, and 3,000 of them are found in Peru. According to scientific research, its cultivation began about 7,000 years ago in the area north of Lake Titicaca.

Historical Background This tuber was very important in the ancient cultures of Peru, particularly in the Inca Empire. The potato was revered not only for being one of their main food sources, but also as a gift from the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). The ancient Peruvians undertook the arduous work of domestication and developed knowledge and techniques for its cultivation and storage. The potato arrived in Spain in 1550, following the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. From there, it spread throughout Europe, becoming an extremely important food by 1750.

Today, there are still Andean communities that continue to use the same techniques as the ancient Peruvians for potato cultivation.