Tag: Andes

For over 4,000 years, the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca) has held deep cultural, religious, and social significance for Indigenous peoples in the Andean region of South America. Historically, it has been one of the most important traditional crops in the region.

For centuries, oca has been a vital part of rural Andean diets, a fact highlighting its deep cultural and culinary roots in South America. However, while Peru and Bolivia are home to the greatest oca diversity, a significant amount is also consumed in New Zealand, making its global culinary footprint surprisingly diverse.

Native to the Andes mountains in South America for thousands of years, the vibrant purple potato's deep hue is entirely natural. This means that purple potatoes are not genetically modified, and their distinct color is a result of natural plant pigments.

The Andean region, rich in agricultural tradition, has seen significant economic shifts driven by the cultivation of coffee and quinoa. These crops have moved from local staples to globally traded commodities, reshaping the region's economic landscape.