Yuraq Ipillu, meaning “White Snake,” is a traditional potato variety from the Chopcca region in Huancavelica, Peru. Highly valued for making chuño (freeze-dried potato), it is also baked in earth ovens. Folklore says the tubers turn into snakes at night to protect other potatoes.
Tuber Characteristics:
- Shape: Elongated
- Skin color: Cream-white
- Flesh color: Cream
- Bud color: Pink
- Number of tubers per plant: 7–19
- Yield: 0.9–1.1 kg per plant
Resistances and Tolerances:
- Late blight (rancha): Moderately susceptible
- Frost (helada): Moderately tolerant
- Storage: Long-lasting (over 5 months)
- Altitude range: 3,300 – 4,200 m.a.s.l.