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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Purple potatoes range in size and are oblong to round in shape, averaging 10-15 centimeters in diameter depending on the variety. These tubers are easily identified by their vibrant, ink-colored skin, and they may have a smooth to russeted texture, a somewhat uniform to indented profile, and have shallow to medium-set eyes scattered across the surface. The starchy flesh ranges from a deep, saturated, solid purple, to purple with white striations, to a white and violet marbled appearance. When cooked, Purple potatoes are dense with a pronounced earthy, sweet, and nutty flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Purple potatoes are available year-round, with peak season in the fall.
Current Facts
Purple potatoes, botanically classified as Solanum tuberosum, is a general name encompassing dozens of heirloom and conventional varieties including Purple Peruvian, All Blue, Congo, Vitilette, and Purple Majesty. Purple potatoes are grown in both domestic and commercial capacities and have recently increased in popularity due to a market shift for antioxidant-rich foods. In addition to nutritional sustenance, Purple potatoes are also used as a natural dye in fruit drinks, vitamin waters, and ice cream.
Nutritional Value
Purple potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and the antioxidant, anthocyanin, which has been studied as an immune system booster.
Applications
Purple potatoes are best suited for cooked applications such as roasting, boiling, baking, braising, mashing, grilling, and frying. Purple potatoes are popularly used in soups, gnocchi, and can be boiled and served with salmon, eggs, and green beans in a Nicoise salad. They can also be sliced into fries or chips and mashed to make vibrant violet side dishes. Purple potatoes can also be boiled, smashed, baked, and served with crème Fraiche, dips, cashew sauce, or tomato-based sauces. Purple potatoes pair well with savory herbs and garlic, red meats such as pork and poultry, both rich and mild cheeses, other starchy vegetables such as corn and shelled beans, artichokes, and salad greens. Purple potatoes will keep for one to two weeks when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Purple potatoes have been valued in South American culture as "food of gods" for centuries, but these tubers have recently grown in popularity in Western culture due to its unique, vibrant color and health benefits. In 2017, with social media becoming a predominant method of communication in the United States, consumers are sharing photos of vibrant Purple potato dishes and are disseminating information about the nutritional value of the tuber much faster than before. With the rise in immediate information sharing, Purple potatoes are no longer only found in restaurants but are also being used in healthy home cooking to create dishes to impress and entertain.
Geography/History
The Purple potato is native to Peru and Bolivia and spread to Europe in the 16th century when Spanish sailors gathered and used the tubers to cure scurvy for long voyages. Purple potatoes were recently introduced to the United States in the mid-1980s and first became popular in Los Angeles for its versatility, health benefits, and vibrant color. Today, Purple potatoes are commercially cultivated in South America, North America, and Europe and can be found at specialty grocers and local farmers markets.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Aura Catering San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-990-8340 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Island Palms Blue Wave Hotel & Marina | San Diego CA | 619-222-0561 |
| Miho Faculty Club | La Jolla CA | 619-323-2866 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Enclave | Carlsbad CA | 808-554-4219 |
| Il Dandy | San Diego CA | 609-373-5917 |
| Cloak and Petal | San Diego CA | 619-501-5505 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Alexander's on 30th | San Diego CA | 619-281-2539 |
| Big Thyme Sandwich Company | San Diego CA | 619-894-5042 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | Vista CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Hilton Mission Bay | San Diego CA | 619-276-4010 |
| Miguel Angel Mendoza | Maestros Ensenada, | 646-127-0277 |
| Father Joe's Villages | San Diego | 619-233-8500 |
| Pacific Beach Ale House | San Diego CA | 858-581-2337 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Wrench and Rodent | Oceanside CA | 760-840-1976 |
| Miguel's 4S Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-924-9200 |
| Miho Gastrotruck | San Diego CA | 619-867-4295 |
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-543-2764 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Purple Potatoes. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Purple Potatoes using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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University District Farmers Market
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesAbout 11 days ago, 2/08/20 Sharer's comments : High in antioxidants with a nice fluffy texture - these are perfect for frying or baking :) 
Union Square Greenmarket
Mountain Sweet Berry Farm
Near New York, United StatesPO Box 667 Roscoe NY 12776 607-435-1083 About 47 days ago, 1/03/20 Sharer's comments : New York grown, purple potatoes!! 
Farmers Market Outlet
San Diego Farmers Outlet
Near San Diego, CA, United States10407 Friars Rd, San Diego, Ca, 92120 619-563-9165 www.sandiegofarmersoutlet.com About 344 days ago, 3/12/19 Sharer's comments : Purple Potatoes spotted at Farmers Market Outlet. 
University District Farmers Market
Kirsop Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States855 Trosper Rd SW #108-189, Tumwater 98512 360-402-5028 About 361 days ago, 2/23/19 Sharer's comments : Purple Potatoes spotted at University District Farmers Market. Purple Majesty potatoes perfect sliced and baked in potato nachos ;) 
Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market
Olsen Farms
Near Seattle, Washington, United States19700 Rocky Creek Rd, Colville 99114 509-685-1548 About 451 days ago, 11/25/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Potatoes spotted at Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market. Purple Majesty - Purple skin, purple flesh. Fantastic steamed or roasted! 
Queen Anne Farmers Market
Alvarez Organic Farms
Near Seattle, Washington, United States300 Murray Rd, Mabton 98935 509-830-5242 About 496 days ago, 10/11/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Potatoes spotted at Queen Anne Farmers Market. A majestic deep purple potato with a slight sweet flavor! Safeway Near Shoreline, Washington, United States About 661 days ago, 4/29/18 Sharer's comments : Purple Potatoes spotted at Safeway. |
