Red potatoes, a new stake in the agricultural and food chain

The Merca Panama facilities were the venue for the Agricultural Innovation Institute of Panama (IDIAP) to conduct a tasting of dishes made from red potatoes and sweet potatoes, products grown in the highlands of Chiriquí province and whose seeds are produced by national producers.

Red potatoes were rarely considered because of their price in the past, but with new technologies they are produced in the country and placed on the market at more affordable prices, said Arnulfo Gutiérrez, general director of IDIAP.

Potatoes are generally produced between 800 and 1000 hectares per year, conventional potatoes (yellow skin, yellow pulp) record a yield of 20 to 23 tons per hectare with a consumption of 600 thousand Qq per year, with 14 kg per capita.

The red peel, the same yellow pulp, records a yield of 40 tons per hectare, has a better taste and texture when consumed, explains the producer of Tierras Altas, Augusto Jiménez.

Red potatoes are rich in zinc and copper, benefit the immune system, regenerate tissues from injuries and promote the health of the nervous system.

By habit, it is a product with less demand in Panama, which is why producers are calling for the promotion of higher consumption both for yield and for quality and performance, notes Jiménez.

In gastronomy, red potatoes are normally used fresh, such as mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, baked potatoes. They are of better quality and taste.

For gastronomic experts, the main advantage of this product is its performance. It’s about 90-95% done.

The Institute of Agricultural Innovation of Panama (IDIAP) also promotes the consumption of sweet potatoes.

The activity was attended by Ranth Berard, General Manager of the Cold Chain, Arnulfo Gutiérrez, General Manager of IDIAP, Augusto Jiménez and Juan Caballero, Panamanian producers, special guests, tenants and users of the market.