Imagine trying a potato that has the same flavour as those that were eaten 500 years ago. This is possible in the Canary Islands
Here we continue to cultivate ancient varieties of potato that come directly from those brought back from South America after the conquest.
If you go to the market, depending on the time of year, it is normal to find ancient varieties such as Azucenas, Boni- tas, Negras, Pelucas, etc., which are protected with the PDO “Papas Antiguas de Canarias” (Ancient Potatoes of the Ca- nary Islands). All of them are consumed mainly “wrinkled”
In fact, the inhabitants of the Canary Islands eat potatoes almost every day. The tastiest are the ancient varieties, which are grown in the mid elevations of the islands and in small vegetable gardens for consumption in homes, but they can also be found today in many restaurants.
Formerly they were even used as currency that could be exchanged for other products. Like gold!
From the Canary Islands, soon, they started to be distri- buted throughout Europe.
