Potato. Batata. Aardappel. Kartoffel. Pomme de Terre. Patata. Ziemniak.

Did you know that Peru celebrates National Potato Day every May 30th?

That’s right! This humble tuber, with more than 10,000 years of history, is honored with its very own day. First cultivated in the high Andes of what is now southern Peru, and before the rest of the world discovered it, the potato sustained Andean civilizations, fueling both daily life and rituals. Our ancestors already knew what modern science confirms today: the potato is rich in vitamin C, iron, folic acid, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. It gave them energy, vitality, and, above all, resilience in the challenging climates of the Andes.

Credits / PromPerú Benelux and Nordics

That deep connection has not gone unnoticed. Dutch culinary journalist Jacques Hermus, inspired by his visit to Peru, has recently celebrated this story in his book Aardappelbijbel (The Potato Bible). In it, he highlights Peru as the proud birthplace of the potato, honoring not only its history but also its living tradition through recipes such as Causa Rellena, Papa Rellena, and Papa a la Huancaína. More than ingredients, these dishes carry history, identity, and pride. His work pays tribute to the more than 3,000 potato varieties Peru offers to the world—from colorful native potatoes that chefs adore to classics like Huayro, Canchán, and Yungay that nourish families every day.

Aardappelbijbel / Jacques Hermus

Aardappelbijbel / Jacques Hermus

Beyond our borders, the potato has become essential to feeding the world. With its versatility and ability to thrive in diverse soils and climates, it has the potential to help fight hunger on a global scale. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they carried the potato back to Europe. At first, it was seen as an exotic curiosity, even believed to hold mysterious powers. But soon it spread across the continent and then the world, quietly becoming one of humanity’s most important staples. From Belgian fries to Italian gnocchi, from Indian samosas to hearty Eastern European stews, the potato found its place everywhere.

Aardappelbijbel / Jacques Hermus

In 2024, Peru exported more than 9,806 tonnes of potato (1), with regions like Puno, Apurímac, Arequipa, and Cusco leading the way in production, and exports reaching the United States, Europe, and beyond. Each shipment tells the story of a crop that is not only abundant but also deeply tied to the survival and celebration of humanity.

For us, the potato is not simply food. It is heritage, culture, and life itself. And wherever in the world you enjoy potatoes—crispy, creamy, mashed, baked, or fried—remember: their journey began in the heart of the Andes, in Peru.

Credits / PromPerú Benelux and Nordics

Sources

(1) Peruvian Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation https://www.gob.pe/institucion/midagri/noticias/1162182-peru-logra-el-acceso-para-la-exportacion-de-papa-al-mercado-brasileno

(2) Peru Travel https://www.peru.travel/es/masperu/papa-conoce-la-historia-de-este-tuberculo-de-origen-peruano 

Credits 

Jacques Hermus / Aardappelbijbel

Credits / PromPerú Benelux and Nordics

ABOUT US

The Trade Commission of Peru to the Benelux and Nordics is one of the foreign offices of the The Commission of Peru for Promotion of Export and Tourism (PROMPERU), which is attached to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru. Our mission is to promote trade, investments and tourism between Peru and the Benelux and Nordics, with a focus on promotion of exports from Peru to these markets.

We actively work in matchmaking between Peruvian and companies from the Benelux and Nordics and participate in international trade events, missions, seminars and roundtables.