Colombian Creole Potato, Second Best in the World

The Colombian creole potato (Papa Criolla) has secured its position as the world’s second-best potato variety in a recent evaluation conducted by the gastronomic platform TasteAtlas. This recognition places the creole potato right behind Greece’s Kato Nevrokopiou potato in terms of quality and culinary use.

Origin and popularity of Colombian creole potato

Originating from South America, the creole potato enjoys popularity in Colombia. Cultivated in the Andean highlands for approximately 8,000 years, these small potatoes, about the size of a golf ball, feature flesh ranging from yellow to dark yellow, indicating their high lutein and zeaxanthin content.

For optimal cultivation, the creole potato requires altitudes between 1,800 and 3,200 meters above sea level, with an average temperature ranging from 10°C to 20°C and annual precipitation of at least 900 mm. The Cundinamarca municipality of Subachoque stands out as the largest producer of this tuber in Colombia, with around 30,000 hectares dedicated to its annual cultivation nationwide.

Preparation methods and culinary uses

The versatility of the creole potato is evident in its various preparation methods. It serves as an ideal complement in numerous recipes due to its distinct flavor and texture.

Some preparation methods include mashed Colombian creole potatoes as a side dish, the typical fried creole potatoes from the Boyaca region, potato chorreada that combines hogao sauce with cream and cheese, and its essential role in the popular Colombian dish Ajiaco, a traditional Bogota soup featuring chicken, corn cobs, and thick cream, among other ingredients.

TasteAtlas and its culinary evaluation

TasteAtlas, a renowned culinary guide, specializes in reviewing and rating dishes worldwide based on expert food reviews. Apart from global food ratings, TasteAtlas shares recipes and recommendations for the best places to savor these dishes.

With a database encompassing over 10,000 foods and beverages, TasteAtlas frequently updates lists on its social media platforms highlighting “the best dishes globally.” These lists primarily focus on a specific dish or ingredient among a selection, and typically include 100 recommended restaurants.