1.- WHAT IS PERU PURPLE CORN?
Many people in the world do not know that Peru purple corn is a unique variety of corn grown exclusively in the Andean regions of Peru, clearly different because of its distinctive purple color. For decades it has had an extremely important role in the culture, gastronomy and even medicine as a traditional heritage that has been passed down for generations, in fact throughout history it has been considered as an agricultural treasure for the characteristic flavor it has in addition to the nutritional and medicinal properties it contains, its use dates back to the Inca culture who used the Purple corn drink Peru for religious ceremonies and sacred rituals.
2.- Characteristics of Peru purple corn
There are several aspects that are considered when evaluating the Peru purple corn against another kind or variety of corn, some of these are:
- Color: Characteristic for the name it bears, Peru purple corn contains grains with an intense purple color that slightly varies to lilac tones, that is because it contains a high concentration of anthocyanins which is a kind of flavonoid with many antioxidant properties.
- Flavor and texture: Unlike the other varieties, Peru purple corn has a slightly sweet flavor with a grainy texture which easily differentiates it from yellow corn, either to use it in its fresh state to make the popular Peruvian purple drink or in a dehydrated form to get the purple mazamorra.
- Nutrition: As we have already mentioned, it is not only about the flavor, in fact the Peru purple corn is an excellent source of minerals, fiber and even vitamins containing mainly A and C, of course you can not miss the high content of antioxidants which is excellent for combating cellular aging.
- Adaptability: Peru purple corn is one of the corn species with better resistance to extreme weather conditions, in fact in the mountainous regions of the Andes it is possible to appreciate extensive crops of Peru purple corn even at more than 3000 m above sea level, this has made it become one of the elements with greater resistance and can be easily cultivated in the Andes.
3.- History of Peru purple corn
The historical roots of Peru purple corn take us back in time to pre-Columbian times where the Incas valued Peru purple corn in a special way, to the point that it was used specifically for religious ceremonies, in fact according to historians it is known that both in its natural form as Peru purple corn and in its processed form of Purple corn drink Peru was used as a participatory element in rituals such as offerings especially for mother earth where they thanked the great production of crops, although at that time the nutritional value was not so essential was attributed a link of spirituality and respect for nature.
Within the Andean belief the Peru purple corn has been a basic element of the daily diet to the point of having been transmitted for generations and being part of the traditional gastronomy especially when it is processed and the Peruvian purple drink is obtained, also known as Chicha morada that has been part of the family table throughout the cycles.
4.- Recognition of Peru purple corn
The Peru purple corn has gained worldwide recognition not only for the particular flavor or appearance it has, in fact it has been recognized for the nutritional properties that can be found during its consumption, during the last years the products derived from this type of corn have increased as well as its demand thanks to the fact that they contain a great amount of antioxidants, so even multiple researchers and nutritionists have dedicated part of their career in their research to obtain health benefits, cardiovascular protection and memory improvement. Thanks to this, nowadays you can find several products derived from Peru purple corn, such as extract capsules, flours, concentrated juices and others, which are mainly consumed in the United States, Europe and Asia.
5.- WHERE IS PURPLE CORN GROWN IN PERU?
The practice of cultivation of Peru purple corn is part of the agricultural tradition that connects directly with ancestral traditions that have been inherited for generations, although the Peru purple corn can be found in various regions of the country the main crop is centered in the Andean region, places where the geography and climate are ideal for its production and thanks to sustainable practices in agricultural issues have made the whole process can occur in a much more appropriate way.
5.1.- Andean Region
The Andean region is the main producer of Peru purple corn, although the inter-Andean valleys that are in this region are between 3000 and 4000 m above sea level are considered ideal places for the sustainable production of Peru purple corn. In cities such as Ayacucho, Junin, Huancavelica and Cusco there are ideal conditions for the cultivation of Peru purple corn thanks to the temperate climate and moderate temperatures.
In fact, the Andean and local communities have adapted the cultivation of Peru purple corn to their environment making it an extremely important element in the festivities and celebrations that exist, even having the festival of chicha morada, thanks to the sustainable practice of cultivation that has spread over several generations until today.
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5.2.- Coast and Valleys Region
At first glance you can know that to appreciate a Peru purple corn is like seeing an icon of the Peruvian Andes, however in some areas of the coast that have favorable microclimates it is also possible to appreciate some cultivation fields suitable to the environment, in places near Lima, ica and Arequipa it is possible to appreciate how in diverse valleys that have warm temperatures and sandy soils the Peru purple corn can be cultivated in a natural way, of course because of the location and the type of cultivation the flavor is slightly different giving a superiority to the product that can be found in the Peruvian Andes.
6.- NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF PURPLE CORN
Thanks to the studies carried out during the last years you already know that Peru purple corn is one of the most nutritious and healthy types of corn that exist not only in Peru but in the whole world, thanks to its peculiar intense purple color it is known to have a high amount of anthocyanins which has allowed it to earn the name of superfood.
6.1.- Rich in Anthocyanins
Medically speaking, anthocyanins have the function of being powerful antioxidants that, when entering the body, protect the body against cell damage, thus preventing premature aging and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and even cardiovascular diseases. Another interesting aspect is that the anthocyanins in Peru purple corn have the ability to improve cognitive function and at the same time protect the brain and reduce possible inflammation, it has also been shown that due to these same anti-inflammatory properties diseases such as arthritis and inflammatory disorders can be combated.
6.2.- Vitamins and Minerals
Although underestimated by many as a simple food, Peru purple corn contains a large amount of vitamins that help to improve the health of a person, on the one hand vitamin A is ideal for visual health and for the immune system, vitamin C helps with the formation of collagen and wound healing, B complex includes thiamine, riboflavin and folic acid as major elements for energy production and cellular metabolism. Besides that, in its composition you can also find iron which fights anemia, magnesium which contributes to muscle function, calcium and phosphorus which is a great component for bones.
7.- CULINARY USES OF PURPLE CORN
Like many other Peruvian ingredients, Peru purple corn is one of the most versatile ingredients that can be found since it can be used in various dishes not only for its nutritional value but also for the great quality of flavor it contains. Traditionally, Peru purple corn can be consumed in two ways:
7.1.- Chicha Morada
The Peruvian purple drink is considered one of the first places within the representative drinks of Peru, this refreshing drink is made by boiling the grains of Peru purple corn with pineapple, cinnamon, cloves and sugar which results in one of the tastiest drinks you have ever tasted, usually the chicha morada is consumed during festivities, celebrations and also during the daily life of the people that has been characterized as a fundamental part of the family table.
7.2.- Mazamorra Morada
Catalogued as one of the most appreciated and consumed traditional desserts in Peru, this type of pudding is made from chicha morada reduced in company of other ingredients such as nuts, sugar, cinnamon and cloves, the sequence of steps results in a thick substance that can be served as a delicious dessert where cinnamon powder is usually added, this peculiar dessert is a clear example of the fusion of local ingredients and the creativity that exists in the culinary tradition.
7.3.- Culinary innovations
Thanks to the skill and adaptability of Peru purple corn, nowadays it is not only possible to enjoy Peru purple corn in its liquid version or mazamorra, in fact, after several innovative tests, it has been possible to produce other types of products such as cookies, cookies, breads, sauces, creams, ice creams and even particular gourmet desserts. Undoubtedly the creativity of Peruvian culinary art is infinite and we know that there is still much to discover but for now you already have thousands of options in which you can delight in this particular flavor.
8.- A DAY TO CONSUME AND CELEBRATE IT
“May 5th was officially proclaimed Peru purple corn day, not only because of its peculiar appearance but also as a way to celebrate this Peruvian superfood recognized for its nutritional benefits and with the intention of promoting healthy eating.”
9.- FAQs:
- What are the health benefits of purple corn?
Considered an Andean superfood, Peru purple corn is an excellent supplier of antioxidants and at the same time has an anti-inflammatory function, improves cardiovascular health, allows glucose regulation, can improve brain function and contributes to digestive health.
- How is purple corn different from regular corn?
Besides the fact that they are clearly differentiated by color, they also have a variation within the genetic composition. To begin with, Peru purple corn has a higher percentage of antioxidants, the nutritional value is superior, having a higher presence of vitamin A and C as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron.
- Where can I buy purple corn or purple corn products?
Traditionally the Peru purple corn is available to everyone in the traditional markets that exist in all cities of Peru, although of course today supermarkets that have several branches can also offer it, so it will not be difficult for you to get a couple of copies.
- Is purple corn gluten-free?
Yes, in fact among its many qualities today it is known that the Peru purple corn is gluten free so that people who have a strict diet with this, can consume it with total peace of mind.
On your list of things to do at least once in your life, you definitely cannot miss tasting the delicious flavor of Peru purple corn in any of its presentations, we assure you that you will enjoy it. Auri Peru seeks to give you a more complete experience, for this reason it offers you various alternatives that can easily adjust to your travel idea, contact us and together we will design a great adventure.
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