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Polaroid of the Week: Bolivia's Stunning Potato Diversity in Sucre's Markets

Polaroid of the Week: Bolivia s Stunning Potato Diversity in Sucre s MarketsAfter months of bland white bread, toast, and rolls in Chile and Argentina, arriving in Bolivia's potato heartland was a true relief. This Andean nation boasts over 400 potato varieties, making them the cornerstone of Bolivian cuisine. Strolling through Sucre's bustling central market, we marveled at the vibrant array: tiny purple gems, elongated brownish tubers resembling radishes, and every shape and hue in between.

While health enthusiasts worldwide rave about Bolivia's quinoa exports, locals favor hearty potatoes. In fact, Bolivians consume about 92 kg of potatoes per person annually, compared to just 1 kg of quinoa.

Potatoes feature in breakfast, lunch, and even dinner, with each variety suited to specific dishes. Our standout favorite: Papas a la Huancaína, a beloved Peruvian import in Bolivia. This simple vegetarian delight layers boiled potatoes and quartered hard-boiled eggs under a rich, creamy peanut sauce. We've also savored spinach-potato gratin, stuffed potatoes, crispy fries, and comforting potato soups.

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