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Purple Potatoes
Inventory, 50 lbs : 1.28
This item was last sold on : 02/06/23
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.
| Hyatt Islandia | San Diego CA | 619-224-1234 |
| Nick & G's Restaurant | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-771-1871 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| The Place Catering | San Diego CA | 858-549-7000 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| Smoke and Salt | Encinitas CA | 760-815-9827 |
| Morgan Run Resort and Club | Rancho Sante Fe CA | 858-759-5473 |
| Golden Door Farm Stand | San Marcos CA | 760-744-5777 |
| Harmony Cuisine 2B1 | San Diego CA | 858-737-4777 |
| ALCE 101 | Solana Beach CA | 619-885-8075 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Berry Good Food Foundation | La Jolla CA | 619-666-1633 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| San Diego Unified School- CCTE | San Diego CA | 619-884-3899 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
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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Hillcrest Farmers Market
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 23 days ago, 1/15/23 Sharer's comments : At Smit Farms 
Little Italy Mercato
Smit Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesLinden, CA About 101 days ago, 10/29/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 254 days ago, 5/29/22 Sharer's comments : Purple Majesty Potatoes from Weiser Family Farms 
Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market
Smit Farms
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesLinden, CA About 359 days ago, 2/13/22 Sharer's comments : Peruvian potatoes!! |
