Bitter potato
Solanum juzepczukii
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
A natural hybrid. It is a herb. It is a potato relative. It grows 40-80 cm tall. It has a tuberous rootstock.
There are about 1400 Solanum species. A triploid.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows above 4,000 m above sea level in Bolivia and can tolerate freezing. In Peru it grows between 3,900-4,200 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andes, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, South America
How it is used for food
The tubers are frozen, thawed and dried. This removes the glycoalkaloids which make them bitter. The processed product is called chuno. This is added to soups and stews. It can be made into a sweet dessert with fruit and molasses.
It is cultivated in some places.
Edible parts
Root, tuber, leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Ckaisalla, Luqui, Prcco-rucki, Rucki