It is very difficult to surprise with anything unusual today. Purple potatoes are an exception. This is justified by the fact that after heat treatment, the color of its pulp does not change.
This species was obtained by crossing a common potato variety with an “American relative”. Don't worry about it being modified. It appeared first in America, then in Russia.
The Siberian Research Institute of Russia was also involved in breeding potatoes with purple flesh. The result is several variations, the color of which ranges from pink to dark purple. Sometimes there are lilac shades
Basic Views
The characteristics of potatoes are slightly different from ordinary varieties with standard colors. In addition, different varieties have different properties from each other. The distinctive features common to all are:
- The color of the pulp remains the same even after processing.
- The shape of the vegetable is elongated-oblong.
- High content of nutrients in the tubers.
- Due to the thick skin, it can be stored for a very long time.
Two potato tubers contain as much vitamin C as 1 lemon.
Root composition
As the description shows, potatoes are rich in components:
- Vitamins: A, B, C, E, H, PP and others.
- Macroelements: Potassium, Chlorine, Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium and others.
- Microelements: Iodine, Lithium, Fluorine, Chromium and many others.
- Starch.
- Sucrose.
- Glucose.
- Fructose.
- Acids.
- Amino acids.
For 100 gr. Potato varieties account for: 2 gr. proteins, 16 gr. carbohydrates, 0.4 g. fat
Varieties
The intermediate result is about 120 potato samples. The main varieties widespread everywhere are:
- "All blue." Its flesh is not blue, but more blue-violet. The skin and pulp are separated by a white ring. Reaches full maturity in 80 days. The tuber weighs 200 grams. Basically, heat treatment preserves the color. It only becomes paler when boiled.
- "Explosion". The color of the pulp and peel is completely the same and has a blue tint. The tubers of the variety are considered early ripening. Potato weight 120 g. Very productive and immune to diseases.
- "Lilac". Ready to eat in 95 days. The weight of the tubers is approximately 80 grams, they store well. The flesh and skin are the same shade. Lilac miracle of selection.
- "Peruvian purple" Breeders worked on its breeding for 200 years. Considered a late species. Maturity occurs in 100–110 days. Weight 80 gr.
- "Adirondack Blue." Potatoes weigh 100 grams and ripen in 95 days.
- "Vitelot". Very popular among many summer residents, it has a second name “Negress”. The average weight of one tuber is 70–100 grams. Color with a hint of blue and purple. Ripening period is 110 days. Keeps for a long time.
Summer residents call all varieties simply like blue potatoes. To make it clear what we are talking about. The beneficial properties of tubers are not disputed by anyone, but on the contrary, they are only praised.
Who is indicated and contraindicated for its use?
- Reduced pressure. Good for those who suffer from hypertension and bad for those with hypotension.
- Antioxidants. Their presence in large quantities slows down the aging process.
- Of the many vitamins found in purple potatoes, E and C are the most important for humans.
- Strengthening vision. Useful for nearsighted people. Slows down the development of cataracts and glaucoma.
- Digestive system. Helps remove toxins from the body. Normalizes stool, relieves abdominal pain.
- Vessels and heart. By clearing toxins, potatoes reduce the risk of blood clots. Accordingly, it reduces the possibility of developing a heart attack and stroke.
- Immune support. Helps absorb iron and, thanks to folic acid, increases hemoglobin.
- High sugar.
- Constipation.
- Obesity.
- Low pressure.
- Gastritis.
For each person, the benefits and harms are calculated individually, depending on the state of health. In any case, you can eat purple potatoes, but at the same time carefully monitor your well-being.
Growing Potatoes
Potatoes with purple flesh are more difficult to grow yourself than regular varieties. The main problems encountered during the growing process:
- Susceptibility to late blight and scab.
- Insect pest attacks. The purple potato variety is more susceptible to attacks by Colorado potato beetles.
- It is better not to propagate with eyes. Because the tubers are getting smaller.
Otherwise, everything is the same as with ordinary types of culture. Timely watering, fertilizing, hilling and pest control.
How to prepare the soil for planting
First you need to choose a place for the garden bed. Purple potatoes love light; it is best to choose a site on the south side. It is demanding on the composition of the soil; the following types of soil are suitable:
- Floodplain.
- Soddy-podzolic.
- Light loamy.
- Neutral sandy loams.
In order for the potatoes to take root and develop correctly in the future, the soil must be dug very deeply in the fall. You can immediately add fertilizers, potassium salt (KS), superphosphate (S.) and humus (P).
- KS–15 gr.
- C–30 gr.
- P–0.5 kg.
It is better to leave the earth in clods; this will not give pests the opportunity to hide in the depths. They will freeze.
After the soil warms up to + 5 ⁰C, you can re-dig and loosen the bed.
Planting and care
Before planting potatoes, pour a little wood ash into the holes. The distance between the holes is 30 cm, their depth is 10 cm, row spacing is 60 cm.
If you want to get an early harvest, purple potatoes are left to germinate in a warm room. The temperature must be at least +15⁰С. This must be done 3 weeks before planting in the ground. You can cover it with film and remove it only when the sprouts are about 10 cm.
Watering is required, abundant and frequent, mandatory periods:
- After germination.
- During bud setting.
- After the flowers fall.
It is recommended to monitor the flow of moisture to the roots. Its excess contributes to the development of rot, and its deficiency leads to the death of the plant variety itself. The resulting crust must be loosened, the roots must breathe.
Weeding and treatment against insects and diseases must be carried out in a timely manner; the crop is sensitive to their development and attacks. The bushes may die. If there is no rain for a long time, it is recommended to irrigate the plantings.
Opinion of people who tried to grow purple potatoes
Having studied the reviews of summer residents, you can understand what is special about growing potatoes, and whether it is worth spending time on planting them at all.
- Irina. I experienced strange feelings when I simply held the tuber in my hands. I peeled it, but the color of the pulp did not change. Later I found out that there was no need to clean it. Overall, I was amazed by the color of the finished dish.
- Faith. The first potato harvest has been harvested. It turned out to be a bucket with 4 bushes. He considers this a good result. Since the planting material was small. We tried baking it in the microwave. The taste is ordinary, practically no different from the usual potato. Blooms white, but stems are purple. He recommends planting purple potatoes less frequently than the regular variety, approximately 70*70.
Growing exotics on the site is not uncommon. But if it is also a useful product, then its importance increases several times.
Purple potatoes- a plant of the Convolvulaceae family. This vegetable is also called “negress”, “Chinese truffle” or “blue French truffle potato”. The tubers of this potato are covered with a dark purple skin, which sometimes reaches almost black color. Beneath it there is pulp of almost the same color (see photo). The oblong tubers reach an average length of about 10 cm, with a weight of about 70 g. The tubers retain their color even after heat treatment.
It is still unknown how exactly this variety appeared. Many believe that its homeland is South America, where it is still grown in large quantities. Purple potatoes thanks to thicker skins can be stored for quite a long time. These root vegetables have a light nutty flavor.
Beneficial features
The medicinal and beneficial properties of purple potatoes are due to the presence of minerals, vitamins, as well as anthocyanins, carotenoids and phenolic acids. Thanks to this, it reduces the risk of possible chronic inflammation, which is directly related to heart disease. Since root vegetables contain quite a lot of antioxidants, the body the rate of aging processes decreases. Ascorbic acid content With regular consumption of root vegetables, it helps to strengthen the immune system. This is especially useful during the period of active action of viruses and infections.
Purple potatoes contain healthy pigments, by the way, just like other vegetables of the same color. Thanks to them improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Purple potatoes also contain polyphenols that have antioxidant activity. These substances increase the body's defense against free radicals, which have the ability to damage cells and increase the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
Purple potatoes contain dietary fiber, which improve the function of the digestive system and prevent constipation. Thanks to this, you can get rid of several kilograms, which is generally confirmed by many positive reviews.
Use in cooking
Purple potatoes can be eaten similarly to the more familiar version. Since this vegetable contains a large amount of starch, the tubers are ideal for making purees. In this case, the dish will turn out not only tasty, but also unusual. In addition, root vegetables are baked in the oven, boiled, fried, etc. Purple potatoes add flavor and garnish to a variety of salads. It also makes delicious stews, casseroles and first courses.
Purple Potato Benefits and Treatment
The benefits of purple potatoes determine its use in folk medicine. It is used as a remedy that helps reduce blood pressure and is an excellent prevention of strokes.
The possible treatment of certain diseases with purple potatoes has been proven through numerous clinical studies. Thus, it has been proven that daily consumption of purple tubers improves vision. In addition, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened. By consuming purple potatoes, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis. There is also a decrease in the level of formation of certain types of cancer.
Harm of purple potatoes and contraindications
Purple potatoes can be harmful to people who suffer from hypotension. People with individual intolerance to the product should avoid eating root vegetables. It is also worth controlling the amount of vegetables you eat so as not to cause serious problems.
Potatoes are a simple, everyday food for many people, and they are difficult to surprise. The variety of varieties is great, but they differ from each other mainly in growth qualities and adaptability.
Variety of varieties
Conventionally, all potatoes can be divided according to the color of the peel or the color of the pulp. There are white, yellow, pink, red and lilac potatoes. Also, the eyes may differ in color from the peel and be pink or lilac. Potato flesh is usually yellow or white. But there is also a rather unusual one with purple flesh.
It is found only on the shelves of exotic stores, although in Europe it can also be found in markets. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver often uses this potato variety in his dishes. In England there is a real boom in the use of this amazing root vegetable.
The healthiest potato. Variety
Purple potatoes attract with their unusualness. What is its composition - like white or are there any special features? The answer is simple. There are useful substances in them. Potatoes, blueberries, blackberries, dark grapes, eggplant, basil and many other plants are due to anthocyanins. It is not for nothing that people have noticed their beneficial properties since ancient times. Everyone can eat purple potatoes. These substances have no contraindications.
An unusual vegetable can reduce blood pressure. However, purple does not promote weight loss. A group of 18 volunteers with high blood pressure and overweight has already been studied. By eating 6-8 potatoes a day, the test subjects reduced their average blood pressure reading by about 4%.
Origin
Potatoes with purple flesh were selectively bred. Scientists from the University of Colorado set this goal while trying to zone and domesticate wild potatoes from the Andean highlands. Other names were previously known: “negress”, “vitalot”, “Chinese truffle” and “truffle potato”. The “purple French truffle potato” variety has long been prepared in the best restaurants in Paris. This speaks, first of all, about the good taste of potatoes with bluish flesh. So the origin of the miracle potato is absolutely legal, and it does not contain any foreign genes. Indian tribes in the Chilean Andes are distinguished by their extraordinary health and longevity. From this we can conclude about the beneficial properties of such an unusual plant.
Potatoes are purple. Description of the variety
The purple potatoes themselves are not large. Its dimensions and weight are about 70 grams. The color of the pulp is due to a large amount of anthocyanins - substances that block the properties of these unusual substances, contained in many purple vegetables and fruits, have long been confirmed by science.
Anthocyanins help slow down the aging of the body, they fight a wide variety of diseases and help prevent cancer. Both the pulp and the peel have great benefits, so purple potatoes are cooked in the oven without peeling. After heat treatment, the pulp retains its color, and therefore all its benefits. The calorie content of such potatoes is only 110 kcal per hundred grams of product. The product is quite crumbly.
Distribution in Russia
Purple potatoes quickly conquered Scotland and adapted perfectly to its soils. Soon it will appear here in Russia too. In Tomsk, scientific developments are already underway to adapt the variety to Siberian soil. There are already first successes.
By consuming such potatoes daily instead of regular ones, you will be able to improve your well-being and do without many medications and cosmetic procedures. Besides, it is very tasty. For now, you can safely order purple potato seeds. Just keep in mind that tubers will appear only in the second year. At first you will only get a handful of seed potatoes. It is extremely important to take care of the preparation of planting material, to prevent it from becoming infected with diseases, and to protect it from pests.
Eating
Jamie Oliver advises preparing cold salads and snacks from unusual potatoes. Radishes, herbs, tomatoes and peppers, and asparagus go well with this miracle vegetable. The experimental cook even adds peeled grapefruit to his potato dishes. It is best to season this unusual salad with olive oil. This will not affect your figure in any way.
Multi-colored potatoes, in particular purple ones, are such a curiosity for our compatriots, while abroad colored varieties can often be found in everyday food. While in Russia they are just getting used to vegetables of unusual colors, in the world there are already several dozen different varieties that differ from each other in growth qualities, adaptability and taste.
Origin
There are many versions of how exactly purple potatoes came to be. Many researchers are inclined to believe that dark purple wild potatoes originally originated in South America, in particular in Peru. Throughout its history, this unusually colored vegetable has been called differently: “negress”, “Chinese truffle”, “French truffle potato”.
Modern potatoes with purple flesh are the result of painstaking long-term selection. The first varieties were developed by Colorado scientists, who for decades tried to cultivate wild fruits growing in the American Mountains, which can not only satiate the stomach, but also improve health. It is not for nothing that it has always been believed that the Peruvians and other tribes living in the southern hemisphere rarely got sick and were distinguished by an enviable longevity.
Cultivation was carried out within the framework of classical selection: the starting materials were wild potatoes and our regular ones. Finally they succeeded, but purple potatoes never became “their own” among the many thousands of modern varieties of this crop. Its amazing taste and range of beneficial properties were not enough in the pursuit of ease of care and abundance of harvest.
Note! Many believe that the unusual color of potatoes was obtained through genetic modification. This opinion is incorrect: its color is the result of hybridization of wild African and equatorial varieties.
In our country, colored potatoes are grown mainly for the sake of interest in the unusual fruit, but it is impossible to feed a family with them, since purple potatoes do not produce well. The foreigner misses either the rarefied air of the Andes highlands or the southern tropical climate, but our land is not to his taste, no matter how hard the agronomists try.
Currently, scientists have obtained several dozen varieties of different colors. But work to improve the quality of purple potato varieties continues. This gives reason to believe that purple potatoes will soon catch up with the most well-known varieties in terms of their characteristics and will then boldly spread throughout Russia.
Main crop varieties:
- Purple Peruvian;
- French purple truffle;
- Chinese truffle;
- Witelotte;
- Gourmet;
- Russian black.
Interesting: Due to its low prevalence, this potato is considered elite. Particularly popular in the USA, Asia and South America.
Characteristics of the species
Purple potatoes belongs to the Bindweed family. The fruits have an interesting oblong shape (uneven), dark purple color, due to the high content of anthocyanins.
Root vegetables reach 10 centimeters in diameter and weigh up to 80 grams. Ripens late, towards the end of September. One bush produces on average 5-7 fruits. There are many medium-depth ocelli on the surface. The peel is thick and rough. The flesh of the fruit is practically the same in color as the peel and is covered with a network of dark purple “veins.”
The taste of the purple fruit is slightly different from the usual “potato”: there is a slight nutty aftertaste, which adds piquancy to the dish.
The advantages of this type:
- exotic color allows you to prepare interesting dishes;
- interesting taste qualities;
- contains a huge amount of useful vitamins and microelements;
- excellent keeping quality.
- ripens very late;
- low yield;
- picky, demanding of care;
- susceptible to disease;
- expensive seed material.
Purple potatoes are mainly used by chefs to prepare unusual dishes. It is unpretentious in cooking, retains its appearance and color perfectly, unlike traditional varieties. Suitable for absolutely any dishes, including dietary ones.
Advice: The color does not change if you cook the potatoes in salt water.
The main differences between purple potatoes and regular potatoes:
- The color of the peel, pulp and the plant itself is dark purple, almost black.
- The root vegetables are clumsy and ugly in shape.
- Indicated for various serious diseases.
- Thick skins allow potatoes to last longer.
Beneficial features
The beneficial properties of the purple fruit lie in its unusual color. Purple pigment is rich in anthocyanins, which are beneficial for absolutely everyone. Potatoes are not only healthy, but also healing!
This type of potato contains vitamin A - a 150 gram tuber contains more than 500% of the daily value of this vitamin. The root vegetable also contains vitamins B - B6, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid, vitamins C and E, minerals calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorus.
Eating purple potatoes helps lower blood pressure in humans. Adding a small amount of potatoes to main dishes has a beneficial effect on heart function and acts as a preventive measure for the development of cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
Purple potatoes are able to remove toxins from the body due to their high content of carotenoids and phenolic acid. Thanks to antioxidants, harmful substances are not retained, and therefore the risk of developing, for example, an ulcer or gastritis is reduced. Purple potatoes are fibrous, which helps improve digestion.
Interesting: Some studies have shown that purple potatoes can slow down the aging process.
Calorie content
Purple potatoes are very high in calories; per 100 grams there are 72 kcal.
Composition per 100 grams:
- Proteins - 2.0 g;
- Fats - 0.4 g;
- Carbohydrates - 16.0 g;
- Organic acids - 0.1 g;
- Dietary fiber - 1.6 g;
- Water - 80.1 g;
- Ash - 1.4 g.
A little more about useful qualities:
- the variety is useful for diabetics due to its high starch and insulin content;
- if you bake or boil potatoes (that is, do not use additional fats when cooking), you can reduce the calorie content of the product;
- perfectly improves immunity;
- This miracle potato has the ability to strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Eating vegetables can reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
- It is known that colored fruits retain their beneficial properties even after heat treatment. But not all types of it are as healthy as baking. Baked potatoes will bring a maximum of plant-based pigments and antioxidants to a person. It also retains potassium, ascorbic acid and fiber.
Note: People with low blood pressure should avoid eating this vegetable.
Features of cultivation
Growing purple potatoes requires a lot of attention, patience and effort from the gardener. The vegetable is very picky about environmental conditions, temperature and precipitation. However, if you try and follow all the necessary rules for growing this difficult plant, you can expect a decent harvest in the fall.
Where is it grown?
While in Russia this type of potato is still viewed with caution, purple tubers are very popular all over the world. Farmers in Canada, Scotland, the USA, and South Korea quite successfully cultivate it for sale.
In Korea, the vegetable is used as a staple in diets. The rejuvenating properties of potatoes have also shown themselves in cosmetology: various masks and cosmetics are quite popular in Asia.
Americans have become interested in making unusual, colorful chips. Now you can find bags of crispy purple slices in stores everywhere.
In the Russian Federation, the first harvest of colored potatoes was obtained only in 2007. Planting material was delivered from South Korea. Since 2011, it has been grown by Tomsk agronomists. However, while the cultivation of the purple variety is purely for informational purposes, it is not being planted on a large scale.
Soil preparation
To harvest a lot of potatoes in the fall, they need to be planted correctly in the spring. Compliance with the rules of agricultural technology will allow the seeds to germinate better, large bushes to grow and numerous tubers to form.
Purple potatoes should grow in calm conditions, not burdened by close proximity to other crops. For best growth, potato bushes need long daylight hours. It is advisable to arrange potato beds in the southern or southwestern parts of the garden.
The best soil for colored potatoes is sandy loam, soddy-podzolic, loamy and floodplain soils with a neutral pH level. Light, loose soil will provide the root system with an abundance of air; moisture will not stagnate, which means the risk of developing fungus and rot will be minimal.
Fertilizers are applied to the soil per 1 square meter - 30 g of superphosphate and 15 grams of potassium salt. Be sure to ferment the soil with humus, thanks to which the tubers will develop.
In the spring, the garden needs to be dug up again in order to “shake up” the soil, saturate it with nutrients, and prepare it for work. Drained soil will help the sprouts quickly strengthen in new conditions and begin to grow.
Landing rules
Early potatoes are sown at the end of April, but only if the weather is warm, since colored potatoes react quite sharply to temperature changes and frosts.
Seed potatoes are usually germinated before planting. To do this, the tubers are laid out in a warm place (the temperature should be at least 10 degrees) about a month before the planting procedure. In the warmth, the life processes of the potato will give rise to new sprouts. As soon as shoots appear, the temperature in the room is lowered to 5-7 degrees. To prevent new shoots from growing too long, the tubers provide plenty of sunlight. This will help curb uncontrolled germination.
Planting material must be soaked in fungicide to minimize the risk of plant damage by fungus.
The holes are placed further than when planting ordinary potatoes, since the bushes of this type of potato grow quite large and branchy. Plant the seeds to a depth of 8-10 centimeters. The distance between bushes should be at least 50 centimeters. The row spacing is made even larger - 60 centimeters wide. If the soil is dense, then add a little sand to the ground.
Growing purple potatoes is not easy. You need to be prepared for the fact that not all the potatoes will sprout, and usually no more than 7 potatoes are harvested from a bush, albeit very large ones.
Fact: If you propagate purple potatoes using “eyes,” the tubers quickly become smaller, turning into a wild-growing form.
Care
Caring for purple potatoes is required in the same way as when growing any other variety of this crop.
Basic rules of care:
Diseases and pests
Colored potato varieties get sick more often than other types of this crop. With proper care, white and yellow varieties can easily avoid fungal and bacterial diseases, while purple potatoes are more likely to suffer from disease. Therefore, seed potatoes and subsequently bushes must be sprayed with all kinds of chemicals that help reduce the development of diseases, and also carefully follow all the rules of agricultural technology. If measures are not taken in time, then even the most aggressive infection can infect the entire field in a matter of days.
Purple potato tubers are most susceptible to scab and late blight. That’s why it’s so important to add ash and lime to the soil – these components inhibit the development of diseases.
Disease prevention measures:
- plant purple potato varieties away from other crops;
- Potato beds need to be made in different places every year;
- treat tubers with antifungal drugs before planting;
- place potato plantings far from other nightshade crops;
- hill up bushes, loosen the ground, not allowing moisture to stagnate;
- when the bushes grow enough, they need to be treated with copper sulfate, adding 1 g of the substance per 1 liter of water.