Quebrada de Humahuaca is an area in the center of Jujuy province in Argentina, where local farmers grow native plants dating back to the time of the conquistadores such as kiwicha, quinoa, papa lisa, and oca. The farmers also grow corn, and most importantly – potatoes, which were first cultivated in the region 4,000 years ago.
Every generation used to cultivate their own potato variety, and families used to name the varieties after themselves. Some communities specialized in seed conservation, so the varieties multiplied and were refined over the years. However, a great number of potato varieties has been lost – almost half of the 70 previously registered varieties are gone today.
The varieties which survived are characterized by their color, flavor, and high content of protein. Nowadays, there are five potato varieties which are farmed at altitudes ranging from 2,100 to 3,800 meters. Papa Azul is the sweetest among them, characterized by dark blue skin with white flecks and yellow flesh. Papa Señorita is irregularly-shaped with white skin that is streaked with pink, while the flesh is also yellow. Cuarentilla has pink skin and white flesh, and Tuni Morada is round, flat, and dark-skinned with white flesh that is ideal for mashing.