PURPLE POTATOES - ORIGINAL AND UNIVERSAL

Potato tubers with pink, lilac, red and purple colors for many residents of the post-Soviet space may seem as exotic vegetables as African cucumber (kiwana) or cassava.

Some, seeing colored potatoes, believe that these are newfangled trends in coloring tubers during their growth and ripening: the plants are simply watered with dyes. Others think that the bright internal color of the tuber is the result of the work of ubiquitous genetic engineering. Both opinions are wrong. What are colored potatoes, in particular its brightest representative with purple tubers, not only on the outside, but also on the inside?

From the history of purple potatoes

Varieties of potatoes with colored flesh exist in the wild, and not all have yet been studied by humans or cultivated. For example, purple potatoes have long grown in the central regions of South America. However, breeders did not “notice” it for a long time, preferring potatoes with white tubers. However, it was already known in Europe in the 19th century, as evidenced by its mention in a French agricultural reference book published in 1817. It was the purple "Vitelotte Noire" potato. By the way, the famous Alexandre Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers, considered Vitelotte (as the French called purple potatoes at that time) the best among the known varieties of this vegetable.

Modern science has revealed to people the benefits of purple potatoes and has aroused unprecedented interest in them in Europe and Asia. Prices for it sometimes reached several hundred euros per kilogram. Inspired breeders set about creating varieties with purple tubers with improved qualities. They crossed wild purple potatoes (or other colored ones) with modern varieties and hybrids of common potatoes.

In Russia, this strange vegetable was unknown for a long time, and still remains unfamiliar. However, after the First International Potato Congress, held in Moscow in 2007, colored and purple potatoes gained many fans. Then the amazingly colored tubers were presented at the conference by South Korean breeders from the Kangwon National University. Following this, inspired domestic breeders began to work on creating dietary potato varieties suitable for Russian growing conditions.

WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT PURPLE POTATOES?

Chemical composition

But an allowance should be made for the fact that many combs with purple pulp are currently sectioned, and their composition may also differ from each other.

Purple potatoes are more watery: their water content can reach 82%, and they are lower in calories, which is important for those on a diet.

Also, purple potatoes contain less starch, which allows them to be consumed even by people suffering from pancreatic diseases, for example, patients with diabetes.

The amount of dietary fiber in white and colored potato tubers is identical, as is the content of organic acids.

The purple color of the tubers is given by the anthocyanins contained in the cells - natural plant glycosides, the presence of which determines many of the beneficial properties of colored potatoes. Anthocyanins are found not only in tubers, but also in stems and sometimes in young leaves, giving them a purple color. But over time, the leaves acquire their usual green color.

Among the carbohydrates present in tubers, the most abundant is starch polysaccharide, but it also contains disaccharides and monosaccharides (glucose and fructose).

Vitamins

Purple potatoes contain B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9), vitamin E, K and C, which are one and a half times more than their white counterpart.

Microelements are represented by calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, sulfur. Iodine, selenium, fluorine, boron, cobalt, zinc, copper, and manganese are present in tubers in small quantities.

VARIETIES OF PURPLE POTATOES

There are significantly fewer of them than regular potatoes, but many of them are dietary. You can hardly tell by the tops and flowers whether you have white or colored tubers. The main criterion is the tubers - shape, color of the peel and pulp, starch content, etc. But purple potatoes also have other distinctive characteristics. For example, some tubers remain purple after cooking, or increase their color, while other varieties, on the contrary, lose color.

Potatoes with purple tubers are interesting for their versatility: unlike their white relatives, they can be consumed both processed and raw, added to salads or pickled. Tubers of some varieties have a nutty or fruity flavor when raw.

Purple potatoes are also grown depending on the variety. Some require traditional agricultural technology (for example, the domestic variety “Violet”), while others (for example, the variety “Vitelotte” or “Black Eliza”) require something different. The difference is that the latter bushes form long stolons and grow greatly in width, just like their wild purple ancestor. Planting and growing one tuber may require an area of ​​up to 1 square meter. m. If such potatoes are high up and not hilled at least four times a season, they will grow new stems, and tubers will not be able to form. But the yield from one bush will be much higher. According to experienced gardeners, up to 8 kg for modern varieties. It is inconvenient to mechanically process such beds, this is one of the reasons for the high price of these potatoes.

Here are some of the popular varieties that are suitable for growing in temperate climates:

Violet – mid-season domestic variety VNIIKH named after. A.G. Lorja. It has completely purple oval tubers weighing up to 100 g with a starch content of 8-10%. Productivity is average, up to 150 kg per 100 sq. m, the presentation of the tubers is average. “Purple” potatoes store well and are resistant to potato blight. Disadvantages include poor protection against viral infections.

Gourmet – more than 10 oval tubers are formed on the bush with an average weight of 100 g, with dark purple skin and white-purple pulp. Starch content 16%. Productivity can reach 40 t/ha.

Salblu (Blue Salad, Salad Blue) – can be eaten in salads without prior heat treatment. Fruitful. Each bush produces 15 tubers weighing 100 g. Ripens in August-September, resistant to diseases and pests.

Surprise – potatoes with pink flesh that retains color after heat treatment. Oval tubers weighing 100-150 g. Resistant to major crop diseases. Selection of VNIIKH named after. A.G. Lorja.

Miracle Man – purple potatoes of the Ural selection with a high content of vitamin C (5 times more than regular potatoes), do not become overcooked. Created specifically for the Russian climate. Mid-season. Productivity is low.

Purple Creamer, or Purple cream, – the flesh is purple with whitish veins, tasty, retains color when boiled and fried. The crop is harvested in August-September.

Northern lights – in addition to purple, the pulp contains white color, which is why the starch content is at the level of 20%. Crumbly potatoes for making mashed potatoes. Early ripening, yield up to 35 c/ha. Resistant to scab, mosaic, potato cancer.

Miami – productive potatoes (up to 40 ha), resistant to late blight, medium-early ripening. The tubers are oval, weighing up to 110 g.

Pearl – external characteristic of the variety – shiny tubers, hence the name; a medium-ripening variety resistant to late blight fungus.

All blue translated means “all blue.” Popular in Europe. A characteristic feature of the tuber pulp is a white ring under the skin, which is clearly visible in the section. When cooked, it retains its color, has an excellent taste, and a large range of useful substances. Used in dietary nutrition.

Amethyst (aka Vitelotte, Vitelotte , black woman, Chinese truffle, blue French truffle) - outwardly almost black tubers in the middle of a uniform dark purple hue, with a thick skin, due to which they are stored for a long time without rotting; an old variety, therefore its yield is relatively low compared to new varieties. Contains a lot of starch and boils well.

Night – the productive variety was named for the very dark color of the pulp, without white streaks or inclusions; the color of potatoes is not lost during heat treatment.

Violet (Blue Alice, Blau Elise, Violetta) is a new German variety of purple potato.

Bora Valley ) - in Europe, this is a new variety of South Korean selection, with good taste and a long shelf life.

Explosion - an early ripening variety with high yield and good disease resistance.

BENEFITS OF PURPLE POTATOES

The main advantage of purple potatoes is the presence of a huge amount of antioxidants, which increase the resistance of the immune system, remove radionuclides from the body, and bind free radicals that destroy cells.

Thanks to antioxidants, the risk of heart disease is reduced, blood sugar levels are normalized, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened, and the risk of developing atherosclerosis is reduced.

The abundance of anthocyanins - substances that give tubers their bright color, leads to the fact that purple potatoes reduce inflammatory processes in the body and normalize metabolic processes (for example, with excess fat consumption).

Eating purple potatoes has a positive effect on the state of the body as a whole:
- digestion improves, peristalsis is normalized, and flatulence decreases or disappears completely;
- stomach acidity is normalized (in people with high acidity), inflammation of the walls of the small and large intestines is reduced,
- the development of beneficial intestinal microflora is stimulated - thanks to dietary fiber;
- supports the work of the heart muscle and improves heart function in case of diseases of this organ - thanks to the high potassium content; the risk of myocardial infarction is also reduced;
- the condition of blood vessels improves - their elasticity increases, and the walls of blood vessels are strengthened, the risk of blood clots is reduced;
- lowers blood pressure, and therefore people suffering from hypotension can eat it limited;
- supports and stimulates the functioning of the immune system: substances contained in tubers (vitamins and antioxidants) actively fight pathogens of various natures;
– slows down the aging of the body, protects against cancer;
- has a positive effect on vision - prevents or slows down the development of myopia and cataracts (zinc and selenium in potatoes are necessary for the normal functioning of the eyes);
- affects the state of the nervous system (reduces irritability, increases tone, normalizes sleep).

* For digestive problems, you can use fresh potato juice.

WHERE TO BUY PURPLE POTATOES

Unfortunately, purple potatoes (or other colored ones) are not often available for sale. It is not yet very popular, and sellers do not want to include it in their assortment, and manufacturers do not strive to grow seeds for sale. Nevertheless, on the domestic market you can buy purple potatoes from Russian and foreign producers. The list below contains companies and online stores where you can buy dietary purple potatoes for planting.

Http://agrokorenevo.ru/
Scientific and Production Association "Gardens of Russia" http://sad-i-ogorod.ru/
GC "Russian Ogorod-NK" https://www.ncsemena.ru/
SeDeK company http://www.sedek.ru/
Company "GREEN MARKET" https://gmsemena.ru/
LLC "First Seeds" http://1semena.ru/
LLC "Becker Bis" https://abekker.ru/
LPH "Potatoes" https://purple-potatoes.ru/

If you live in a city where large horticultural and agro-industrial exhibitions and fairs are held, you can buy purple potatoes for planting by attending these events.

Note to the hostess

Prepare purple potatoes the same way as regular potatoes.

Depending on the starch content, purple potatoes can be crumbly (they boil well, they contain more starch, they are suitable for making mashed potatoes) or they can retain the strength of the tuber during heat treatment (ideal for making chips and French fries). The production of chips from such potatoes has been established abroad. They attract consumers with their unusual color combined with classic taste.

Purple potatoes are great when steamed, fried, stewed, or baked. It is better to boil young tubers “in their uniforms”. It is advisable to eat potatoes with the peel - the beneficial substances are most concentrated in it.

Some varieties lose their purple color when cooked in water. To prevent peeled tubers from discoloring, the cooking water should be salted, and the boiling process should not exceed 15-20 minutes. By the way, due to its coloring properties, purple potatoes are used as a natural dye. And among chefs, it often serves as a color accent in a dish. The accent can be pre-cooked chips, mashed potatoes or cubes or slices of boiled or raw purple potatoes.

For a healthy diet, raw purple potatoes are the best. You can prepare a wide variety of salads from it, for example, the following:

1. Grate (you can use a Korean carrot grater) radishes and potatoes, add finely chopped cilantro and onion (take the products in equal quantities). Add salt, pepper if desired, add vegetable oil, stir.

2. Grate the potatoes, finely chop the herbs and garlic, add salt, add mayonnaise, and mix.

3. Chop potatoes and a little less carrots, add chopped parsley, salt, sour cream, mix.

Here's how to make purple potato chips - not a healthy but popular food:

Cut the peeled tubers thinly into circles. Prick them with a fork, add salt and pepper if desired. Place the potato slices in a large sieve and place them in boiling refined oil, reducing the heat. When a crispy crust appears, remove the sieve from the oil, let the excess drain, and then spread the chips on a napkin for an hour to remove excess fat and dry them.

Calories, kcal:

Proteins, g:

Carbohydrates, g:

Purple potatoes are one of the varieties. It has long been known also under the names “vitalot”, “negress”, “Chinese truffle”, “blue French truffle potato”. It is believed that the birthplace of purple potatoes is South America.

Purple potato tubers have an oblong shape, a dark purple peel, and a purple flesh (calorizer). The unusual color of the vegetable is preserved even during heat treatment.

Compared to some varieties, purple potatoes have a longer shelf life due to their thick skin.

Calorie content of purple potatoes

The calorie content of purple potatoes is 72 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Composition of purple potatoes

The composition of purple potatoes is rich in carotenoids and phenolic acids. It contains a lot of vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, C, E and K.

The benefits and harms of purple potatoes

The beneficial and medicinal properties of purple potatoes are due to their rich vitamin and mineral composition. Thanks to the substances included in the product, the risk of possible chronic inflammation, which is directly related to heart disease, is reduced. Due to the high content of antioxidants, the rate of aging processes in the human body decreases. The content of ascorbic acid allows you to strengthen your immune system with regular consumption of root vegetables. This is especially useful during the period of active action of viruses and infections.

Purple potatoes contain beneficial pigments, which improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

The product contains dietary fiber, which improves the function of the digestive system and prevents constipation. Thanks to this, you can get rid of several kilograms, which is generally confirmed by many positive reviews.

Purple potatoes are used as a remedy that helps reduce blood pressure and is an excellent prevention of strokes.

With daily use of the product, vision improves, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened, the risk of developing atherosclerosis is significantly reduced, and the level of formation of certain types of cancer also decreases.

People with individual intolerance to the product, as well as those suffering from hypotension (calorizator), should avoid eating purple potatoes. It is also worth controlling the amount of vegetables you eat to avoid serious problems.

Purple potatoes in cooking

Purple potatoes are widely used in cooking: they are baked in the oven, boiled, fried, added to salads, first courses, casseroles and stews.

Purple potato tubers are ideal for making mashed potatoes. In this case, the dish will turn out not only tasty, but also unusual.

» Potato varieties

Not long ago, an exotic vegetable appeared on store shelves - purple potatoes. At first, consumers were wary of it, but when the beneficial properties became known, the situation immediately changed. Besides the exotic color of the pulp allows chefs to create culinary masterpieces, characterized by an original appearance. True, this type of potato is not yet grown on an industrial scale in our country, but for your own summer cottage you can easily order seed from an online store.

A characteristic feature of this potato is not only the exotic color of the skin, but also the pulp. Wherein shades range from soft pink to dark purple. This unusual plant was obtained without the use of genetic modification methods: specialists used exclusively classical selection methods. They crossed the familiar potato with its wild relative from South America.

General differences between purple-fleshed varieties include the following:

• tubers have oblong shape;
• pulp does not lose its color even after heat treatment;
• available a large number of useful microelements, helping to increase immunity;
• stores very well thanks to the presence thick skin.

After cooking, the pulp has a characteristic nutty flavor, which also makes these varieties stand out and expands the possibilities of use in cooking.

What are the varieties of potatoes with purple flesh called?

Breeders have become seriously interested in breeding varieties with purple flesh, so now there are quite a lot of them. But domestic gardeners very often call this variety much simpler: blue potatoes. However, this does not change the essence.

Potatoes with purple flesh are still at the stage of breeding development, but now you can purchase some varieties with different color intensities for your summer cottage. The most popular include:

• French purple truffle;
• Black woman;
• Chinese truffle;
• Witelotte;
• Gourmet;
• Russian black.

There is no talk yet about volumes sufficient for industrial cultivation, but stores are happy to present to the attention of their customers the indicated varieties for growing in garden beds.

The benefits and harms of potatoes

Purple potatoes deserve attention not only due to their unusual appearance and bright color. It has a lot of useful and healing properties. For example, if you prepare a dish from it in any way, you can easily reduce blood pressure in the human body. At the same time, this potato can be harmful to people suffering from low blood pressure and should be avoided in the menu of colored potato dishes.

Thanks to the presence of antioxidants, purple potatoes can slow down the aging process. It contains a large amount of vitamins C, E and carotenoids. The product is not genetically modified, and its unusual color is the result of crossing with wild African and equatorial varieties.

Regular consumption of colored potatoes improves vision and strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Thereby the risk of atherosclerosis is reduced. It also reduces the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Use in cooking

In practice, the same dishes are prepared from purple potatoes as from white or cream ones. At the same time, they differ in their original appearance.

Tasters note that they have a characteristic nutty flavor, but this does not spoil the impression of the dish.

Colored potatoes are used in dietary nutrition, because it not only contains a huge amount of vitamins and microelements, but also with a high level of starch content does not lead to obesity. This is achieved through the metabolic activity of other substances.

Growing the variety

How to grow such potatoes in your summer cottage

Planting is carried out in two ways: traditional (tubers) and seeds. For the second option, you first need to germinate the seeds, then grow seedlings at home, and then transplant them into open ground. Seeds are planted in April, and seedlings are transplanted into open ground no earlier than in mid-May.

When planting tubers, the planting period is the same as for regular potatoes.

When choosing planting dates, the climatic and weather characteristics of the region are taken into account. You should definitely wait until the threat of night frosts has passed.

Soil preparation

They try to choose light soil for planting purple potatoes. Oxygen should easily penetrate into it and excess moisture should not stagnate. An excellent option would be neutral sandy loam, as well as floodplain and soddy-podzolic soils. Before the onset of the first frost, a rough initial digging of the selected area is carried out. During frosts, the pest larvae that were in the turned-out soil will die.

With the onset of warmth, when the minimum soil temperature reaches 5°C, planting begins. First, the soil is dug up again and holes are prepared with the addition of wood ash. The distance between rows should be at least half a meter, and between holes it should be maintained at 30 centimeters. The planting depth reaches 10 centimeters.

Planting and care

If the soil in the selected area is dry, then Watering must be done at least three times: immediately after emergence, during flowering and immediately after it. In conditions where there is no rain, plants need to be irrigated at least once a week. If there is a lot of moisture, fungal diseases will develop, and if there is not enough moisture, the plantings may dry out.

During planting, care should be taken to ensure that the plants have good access to air and light. To do this, you should not save space and plant bushes very close to each other, but maintain the recommended distances.

After the purple potatoes emerge it must be regularly weeded and weeds removed. When a crust appears on the soil, you should loosen it. The beds are regularly treated with preparations against the Colorado potato beetle, late blight and other common pests and diseases.

For now, purple potatoes are classified as delicacies. But thanks to the hard work of domestic breeders, it is quite possible that it will soon become available to any category of the population, as it brings benefits to the human body. This would be great because the beneficial properties of this product make you seriously think about industrial scale cultivation colored potatoes in our country.

Purple potatoes appeared on store shelves not long ago, but have already gained popularity. The vegetable differs in the color of the peel and the tubers themselves - deep purple, in some cases reaching black. The culture was developed in South America.

The culture belongs to the bindweed family. Purple potatoes have several other names: “French blue truffle potatoes”, “negress”, “Chinese truffle”. The length of the tubers is approximately 10 centimeters. Weight reaches 70 grams.

The main varieties of the crop are Purple Peruvian, Purple Majesty, Purple Viking.

Beneficial features

There is one rule that says that darker colored fruits are the most valuable. Purple potatoes are no exception. It contains a huge amount of antioxidants. Anthocyanins have anti-cancer properties and are excellent for improving immunity. Among other things, they are responsible for the integrity of the DNA structure.

Since purple potatoes are high in antioxidants, they help slow down the aging process in the body. The high content of ascorbic acid helps strengthen the functions of the entire body, especially during infectious diseases.

In the course of research, it was revealed that the purple vegetable of the described type perfectly reduces high blood pressure. The thing is that potatoes have a beneficial effect on blood vessels, including capillaries. Potatoes also contain chlorogenic acid, which is responsible for blood pressure in mice.

It is important to remember that purple potatoes are quite high in calories due to their high starch content. Its taste is reminiscent of regular potatoes, but the texture is creamy and has a subtle nutty flavor.

Many useful substances are found in potato peels - these are polyphenols, vitamin C and potassium.

Clinical studies show that consistent consumption of purple vegetables can improve vision. Among other things, the risk of atherosclerosis is reduced several times. The walls of blood vessels become stronger and more elastic, and the incidence of a number of cancer diseases decreases.

Features of the view

What is the difference between purple potatoes and regular potatoes?

• Its tubers are oblong in shape, the pulp is purple, and the peel is dark purple. Even after boiling or frying, the fruit does not lose its unusual color.
• The beneficial characteristics that purple varieties have make it possible to use them in folk medicine to prevent stroke and reduce blood pressure. Medicinal properties appeared due to the content of starch, anthocyanins, potassium, carotenoids, calcium, and phenolic acids.
• Since the variety is distinguished by the presence of a thick peel, it can be stored for a long time. The scope of use of unusual potatoes is very extensive: they are boiled, fried, baked, used as an ingredient for salads, stews and casseroles.

Contraindications

Those who suffer from hypotension – low blood pressure – should not eat purple potatoes. Among other things, people with individual intolerance to the product should refuse the tuber. It is worth monitoring how many potatoes you consume per day - you should not overdo it.

Rules for planting and care

First, you should get some seeds. They are germinated. Be prepared that about half will rise. Seeds are planted in April. They are placed in open ground only in May.

Care is exactly the same as for regular potatoes.

It is necessary to carry out hilling. Lawn grass or pre-weeded weeds are laid out between the bushes. When it comes to fertilizing, preference should be given to vermicompost.

Use only high-quality soil for seedlings and monitor watering, otherwise mold will form and you will have to treat with special preparations.

The harvest begins at the end of August. At the same time, the weather should be good.

Where is it currently grown?

Recently, non-standard colored potatoes have become increasingly popular. It is grown in Canada, Scotland, USA, South Korea. Moreover, tubers in these countries can be easily found on store shelves. The success of the vegetable is due to the exhibition that was held in 2007.

In Korea, a special diet was even developed based on the vegetable. The culture is also actively used in the field of cosmetology. It is used to produce anti-aging masks and soaps with a delicate texture. In America, purple potatoes were used to produce chips.

In Russia, the presented potatoes have been grown in Tomsk since 2011. In 2007, one of the employees of the Siberian Research Institute of Agriculture received original tubers as a gift from breeders from South Korea, who came to Russia for an exhibition where amazing varieties were presented. At the same time, not only purple, but also orange and pink varieties were put on display. However, the more intense the color, the healthier the vegetable, which is why Russian scientists gave preference to purple potatoes.

It is known that the presented variety was also bred in the Urals. But so far it is not on sale and is not actively grown. You can also see amazing tubers in private gardens. This means that in just a couple of years, healthy vegetables may appear on store shelves and become commonplace.

There are several varieties of purple potatoes. All of them are very healthy and have the original color of the peel and pulp. The homeland of this exotic vegetable is South America, but at the moment you can find tubers in many Western and Asian countries and in Russia. The hardest part about growing potatoes is germinating the seeds. Otherwise, care is exactly the same as for ordinary standard varieties of the usual color.

Purple potatoes are a variety of potatoes with purple skin and flesh. They have a medium starchy texture and a milder, nuttier flavor than regular white potatoes. As scientists have found, such potatoes contain more antioxidant compounds that regular potatoes cannot compete with.

As you know, the essence of even an unusual vegetable does not actually change. Therefore, you don’t even need to avoid purple potatoes. After all, it will bring a non-standard look to familiar dishes, fill them with original taste and, in addition, leave a positive mark on human health. For example, it has been found to help lower blood pressure, accelerate weight loss, and prevent depression.

These potatoes can be fried, boiled, baked, mashed, added to soups and other dishes. Let's take a closer look at such an unusual potato and find out how it is useful for the human body, what beneficial properties it has and whether there are contraindications to its use.

Purple potato variety description

Among the wide variety of vegetable crops, it is worth noting the purple potato, which is new to domestic consumers. It belongs to the bindweed family and the nightshade genus.

It was first bred in South America, so it is most common in Peru. True, since 2007, gardeners in Tomsk and the Urals have also been planting blue potatoes. Therefore, you should not be afraid of its appearance on the shelves of markets and shops.

No one objects that this plant is the result of selective genetic work. But it will not bring any harm, because the classical method was used in the selection work.

The main distinctive characteristics of this vegetable crop are:

• Oblong shape of tubers;
• No loss of purple color even after prolonged heat treatment;
• The presence of a thick peel;
• Long-term storage of the product.

It is worth noting that today the most popular varieties of purple potatoes are:

• French truffle potatoes;
• Chinese truffle;
• Black woman;
• Gourmet;
• Witelotte;
• Russian black potatoes.

What are the benefits of purple potatoes?

Despite its “exotic” appearance, such potatoes are characterized by the presence of many substances necessary and important for human health.

Thus, this potato contains:

The total calorie content of 100 grams of purple potatoes is 72 kilocalories. As for its nutritional value, 100 grams contains:

15 grams of carbohydrates;

1 gram of fiber;

2 grams of protein.

Purple Potatoes Health Benefits

The nutritional value of purple potatoes is similar to regular potatoes. But there is one significant difference: antioxidant content. It contains 4 times more of them than the white potatoes we are used to.

Anthocyanins, which are antioxidant compounds, give the entire tuber its purple color.

It contains quite a lot of potassium, which brings certain benefits to people suffering from high blood pressure. Plus, more antioxidants.

Research conducted by the US Department of Agriculture has shown that eating six golf ball-sized tubers every day for a month can reduce blood pressure by an average of 4 percent. Agree, this is not so little.

In addition, thanks to the same antioxidants, it helps strengthen the immune system and can prevent and reduce the risk of heart disease and oncology.

In addition to potassium, which helps regulate cell fluid, and antioxidants, blue potatoes contain ample amounts of vitamin C. They are low in fat and have no cholesterol.

Although not by much, the content of starchy substances in it is still less than that of ordinary potatoes. This fact should be noticed by people watching their weight and dieting.

Purple potatoes benefits

Due to its characteristics, it is blue potatoes (microelements do not disappear after freezing or prolonged heat treatment) that can “boast” maximum benefits for the human body.

As a result, eating purple potatoes helps:

• Bind toxins and waste;
• Remove feces quickly;
• Normalize intestinal motility;
• Relieve inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the digestive system;
• Prevent bowel dysfunction;
• Prevent constipation and diarrhea;
• Relieve symptoms of flatulence and associated abdominal pain;
• Protect the gastric mucosa (potatoes seem to envelop it);
• Reduce body weight (by cleansing the body of waste and toxins);
• Accelerate metabolic processes;
• Improve vision;
• Prevent the development of glaucoma and cataracts;
• Reduce the risk of myopia;
• Reduce fatigue and stress when working at a computer monitor;
• Clear the walls of blood vessels from various negative deposits;
• Prevent the formation of blood clots;
• Remove “bad” cholesterol;
• Prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques;
• Reduce the risk of myocardial infarction;
• Prevent the development of atherosclerosis;
• Reduce high blood pressure;
• Strengthen vascular walls;
• Improve general vascular microcirculation and blood flow;
• Restore heart rhythm;
• Improve the functioning of the heart muscle;
• Prevent stroke;
• Accelerate and improve the body's absorption of iron;
• Prevent the occurrence of anemia (by promoting the rapid formation of red blood cells);
• Increase the activity of the immune system in the fight against viruses (that is, strengthen the immune system);
• Rejuvenate the body (thanks to natural antioxidants-polyphenols);
• Protect cells from the negative effects of free radicals (that is, cancer is prevented);
• Remove salts that are deposited in joints;
• Reduce elevated temperature;
• Remove the manifestations of tuberculosis and prevent the occurrence of this disease.

Purple potatoes used in cooking

Cooking classifies blue potatoes as an unusual category, but uses them as a common vegetable. Purple potatoes have a medium starchy texture, making them versatile and suitable for most recipes that call for potatoes.

Therefore, similar potatoes with a nutty taste are boiled, stewed, baked, casseroles and even potato pancakes are made from them. And all this happens without loss of available minerals and vitamins.

Use in salads will add brightness to a dull-looking dish, it retains its shape when baked and purees well when pureed.

To maximize nutrients and minimize calories, simply boil, puree, or bake it instead of frying it.

Simply boil the tubers (preferably with the peel), sprinkle with olive oil and sprinkle with finely chopped onion and crushed garlic.

It will be delicious baked with paprika and cut into slices, lightly seasoned with salt.

Here are some more ideas on how to cook purple potatoes.

Mix diced potatoes with shallots. Season with a little pepper and olive oil. Place in the oven. When half cooked, remove the lid, add the leeks and cook until finished. Sprinkle the finished dish with rosemary, parsley, and dill.

To prepare mashed potatoes, boil them and mash them. Use almond milk instead of butter and milk. Season the finished puree with fried garlic.

Bake whole, without peeling, in the oven or microwave, lightly drizzling with olive oil. Season the finished potatoes with Greek yogurt, fresh onions and herbs.

For potato salad, cut it into cubes. Mix mayonnaise with mustard, Greek yogurt and dress the salad.

Purple potatoes harm and contraindications

Some believe that the purple variety of potatoes is not much different from the usual ones. On the one hand, this is a correct judgment. But the consumption of such a food product should also be treated with caution. After all, blue potatoes, despite their lower starch content, are not recommended:

• Pregnant women (bloating often occurs);
• Elderly people and children (there are not enough enzymes for digestion);
• In case of obesity (due to increased caloric content, high carbohydrate content, promoting the accumulation of fats in the body, slowing down the processes of cleansing the latter from slagging);
• If you have diabetes mellitus (such potatoes contain a large amount of mono- and disaccharides, sucrose, fructose, glucose);
• If you have constipation (in this case, you can only consume puree to avoid irritation of the intestinal mucosa and provoking exacerbations);
• For gastritis (fried and baked potatoes are completely prohibited, only mashed potatoes and boiled potatoes in soup are allowed);
• For low blood pressure or hypotension (due to the product's ability to lower blood pressure).

These are the purple potatoes that are still unusual for many. In addition to its nutritional value, health benefits, it can add bright color to your dishes and decorate the table.

What are purple potatoes, how are they useful, find out from the video of the “Dacha TV” program