Potatoes Vitelot

Vitelot potatoes in different countries are called Negro, Chinese truffle and Blue French truffle. It has earned such names for its unconventional color of the pulp and peel. The reason for this unusual coloration is in the high content of anthocyanins - plant glycosides (flavonoids). A. Dumas called it one of the best potato varieties: in Paris of that time period, Vitelot was one of the 6 most popular varieties.

Vitelot potatoes are not the fruit of the efforts of breeders who have perfected a once wild plant to give it useful properties. Presumably, it still grows naturally, as in its homeland in Latin America. It is still widespread in Bolivia, Peru, but in these countries its color is less pronounced, and the yield is lower, therefore there is an assumption that this variety was obtained by the works of French agronomists, who increased the taste and color intensity. According to another version, purple potatoes were appreciated by the Americans, who were engaged in its increased distribution.

Especially prized potatoes Vitelot, grown in the foothills, on the mountain terraces of Peru and Chile in the Western Hemisphere, according to gourmets, it has a unique taste. In Russian supermarkets, it is sold more often of local origin. There is already quite a lot of it, despite the later (no more than 2 decades) appearance in the Russian Federation.

For the first time the name Vitelot was noted at the beginning of the 19th century, and it is of French origin. Etymology is associated with a suffixal formation from an obsolete French word for penis. Its name is given for the clear association of the form with this organ.

Since then, the characteristics of the variety have remained practically unchanged:

• the same low yield (from a bush - several tubers having an oblong shape with 1-2 spurs);

• almost black skin color, flesh - bright purple.

Vitelot is valued as a unique specimen of potatoes, preserved in their natural form and therefore especially unusual in taste.

It is mainly in demand in mashed potatoes, which are obtained of the same unusual color due to the rich content of plant flavonoids - anthocyanins. Their presence highlights black tomatoes, eggplants, blackberries and other dark berries. Modern breeders have also bred other varieties of potatoes with unusual coloration - Nochka, Vzryv, Lilac, Gourmet, but there are especially many of them in this variety, and they give it a specific nutty-mushroom taste.

The bush in Russia is practically not grown on an industrial scale, but it is found in individual summer cottages. The reasons for this are low productivity and growth characteristics: the formation of long stolons, which, without hilling and a sufficient number of stolons, when they come to the surface, are transformed into new stems. To get tubers, you need to work permanently to ensure high hilling.

Tubers:

• have the ability to perfectly tolerate transportation and be stored for a long time in suitable conditions;

• up to 10 cm in length, of a non-trivial shape, for which the variety got its unusual name;

• weight reaches 50-70 g, but it can be a little more if proper conditions are created;

• the skin is close to black, the pulp is purple, it brightens a little during heat treatment.

The need for the unusual is not the only reason for interest in dark-fleshed potatoes. It has medicinal properties and original taste, for which it is appreciated by gourmets and is called truffle. Some farmers grow it for restaurants or for their own needs, since the retail price for it is much higher than for conventional potatoes.

In folk medicine, it is believed that the nightshade plant has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, contains nutrients that have a positive effect on human health. A moderate starch content, a nutty flavor and a pronounced persistent aftertaste are appreciated by gourmets, especially in the form of mashed potatoes, boiled and baked. For other cooking methods - frying, fries - Vitelot is not suitable. It costs several times more than potatoes with the usual taste. It is considered a dietary and gourmet variety, can be used in the menu for diabetics.

Vitelot potatoes are classified as late ripening varieties; in different weather conditions, their readiness is achieved after 100-110 days. This is another reason why it did not spread on Russian territory. In regions with a cold climate, sometimes it is not enough for this warm period.

It is not suitable for industrial cultivation - there are varieties bred by breeders with a much larger number of tubers. But the value of the variety lies in the presence of useful components and a unique taste, so it makes sense to plant it for your own needs, restoration and optimization of health.

Buying seed, you can be guided in choosing a breeding method according to the climatic characteristics of the region. Gardeners plant colored potatoes in a soil method, with the classic option of planting in the ground, in bags, in straw and other methods. The soil for protection is covered with a film, which is removed after germination. Watering is required (but it should not lead to waterlogging), hilling (high), weeding, aeration of the air and soil in which the tubers grow. The reward for the efforts will be vitamins, trace elements, dietary fiber, which will have a beneficial effect on the body.