We Take Them So Much For Granted,

the humble potato,

photograph from the article, the potato was the first domesticated vegetable in the region of modern-day southern Peru and extreme north-western Bolivia between 8000 and 5000 BCE, cultivation of potatoes in South America may go back 10,000 years, but tubers do not preserve well in the archaeological record, making identification difficult. The earliest archaeologically verified potato tuber remains have been found at the coastal site of Ancón (central Peru), dating to 2500 BC. It arrived in Europe sometime before the end of the 16th century by two different ports of entry: the first in Spain around 1570, and the second via the British Isles between 1588 and 1593. The first written mention of the potato is a receipt for delivery dated 28 November 1567 between Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Antwerp. The crop slowly spread across Europe, becoming a major staple by mid-century, back to its beginning, it is estimated that there are over 4,000 varieties of potatoes in Peru! these are just a few, 

Papa Blanca: This Potato is very firm and pale on the inside. It is mainly used in stews or for French fries. 

Papa Amarilla: These yellow potatoes can become quite soft and grainy when cooked. They are mainly used in soups or dishes like “Causa.” 

Papa Huamantanga: A white, fleshy potato with a texture similar to the yellow potato. Since this variety of potatoes has a firm composition and texture, they are regularly used in stews.

Papa Púrpura: This purple Potato changes colour to blue when cooked. The Inca treasured this variety, which was eaten more commonly by royalty. Some experts today refer to it as “the gem of the Andes.” 

Papa Peruanita: A multi-coloured and vibrant potato variety with a deep, vibrant taste. 

Papa Tarmeña: This variety of Peruvian potato looks very similar to a “papa peruanita,” The Papa Tarmeña is commonly used in the dish called “causa.”

for the full article have a look here, 4,000 varieties, I have enough problems deciding which of the just 6 or 7 varieties I have a choice of buying when I go out shopping!