Peru grows more than 4,000 native potato varieties—the highest number in the world.

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) was first domesticated between 8,000 and 5,000 BCE in the high-altitude regions of the Andes, specifically near Lake Titicaca. Modern genetic testing conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2005 confirmed that all modern potato varieties trace back to a single origin in southern Peru. Over millennia, indigenous farmers developed sophisticated agricultural techniques to adapt the crop to diverse microclimates ranging from 2,500 to over 4,000 meters above sea level.The International Potato Center (CIP), headquartered in Lima, Peru, maintains the world's largest potato gene bank. Their collection includes over 4,500 different types of native Andean potatoes, preserving a genetic treasure essential for global food security. These varieties differ significantly in nutritional content—some contain high levels of vitamin C, iron, and zinc. The striking colors, such as deep purple and bright red, come from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that provide both visual appeal and health benefits.In 2008, the United Nations declared the International Year of the Potato to highlight its importance in feeding the world's growing population. Peru celebrates National Potato Day every May 30th to honor this biodiversity and its economic significance. Today, Peru remains Latin America's leading potato producer, harvesting approximately 5.3 million tons annually. This extraordinary variety ensures the species can withstand different pests, diseases, and changing climate conditions through genetic diversity.