Over 2,000 varieties of potatoes are found in Peru, with many different sizes, shapes, colors and flavors. The International Potato Center, which is dedicated to studying and preserving the genetic diversity of potatoes, is located in Lima. Recently, it was announced that Russian astronauts will carry Peruvian potatoes with them into space in the future, to see if they can be grown there. Eventually, they could feed astronauts on a three year trip to Mars. Potatoes are an important crop here on Earth, and could prove to be extremely valuable in space. The fascinating variety of potatoes, one of the world’s most vital crops, is another one of Peru’s important contributions to the world. Potatoes are used in many Peruvian dishes, including Aji de Gallina and Papa a la Huancaina, which we proudly serve at our Norwalk CT restaurant.