Camotillo is a widely cultivated native potato variety known for its elongated pink tubers and yellow flesh. Valued for its short cooking time and versatility, it is commonly consumed boiled and also used for chuño production (especially small tubers).
It has high market demand in both local and regional markets and grows well between 3,100 and 4,100 meters above sea level. With profuse flowering and moderate resistance to late blight and frost, it is often planted in mixed plots (chaqru) but also widely cultivated as a monocrop in communities like Huayta Corral and Túpac Amaru.
Tuber Characteristics:
- Tuber Shape: Oblong elongated
- Skin Color (Primary): Intense pink
- Skin Color (Secondary): None
- Flesh Color (Primary): Yellow
- Flesh Color (Secondary): None
- Sprout Color: Purple
- Tuber Count per Plant: 12 to 18
- Yield per Plant: 0.4 – 1.1 kg
- Cooking Time: Short (quick boiling)
- Best Use: Boiled and for chuño
- Storage Duration: More than 5 months
Resistances:
- Late Blight (Rancha): Moderately susceptible
- Frost (Helada): Moderately tolerant
- Storage Rot: Not specified (but stores well)
- Altitude Adaptation: 3,100 – 4,100 m a.s.l.