Concern for the environment can sharpen inventiveness, especially when people have some scientific knowledge. Around the same time that the Ministry of Environment announced its intention to gradually ban the use of plastic bags, information has emerged that researchers are working to make biodegradable bags based on potato starch.
According to Celfia Obregon, president of the Center for Technological Innovation (CITE) for Potatoes and other Andean Crops, the peculiarity of this bags is that, in addition to having a much smaller impact on the environment, they can be used as a food input. "We have potatoes that have a high starch content and we are working with the University of Wisconsin, from the United States, to take advantage of the southern native potatoes in Puno to make bags, containers, and biodegradable cups from potato starch," she said.
Once they're used, "the bags can be disposed of as they will decompose quickly, but they can also be used as an ingredient in a soup, that is, you can feed from them," she added.
In this line, she stressed that the native potatoes stand out for their high nutritional value. In fact, the have macronutrients such as phosphorus and potassium, as well as beneficial micronutrients for children, such as iron and zinc, and calcium and magnesium components.
Obregon also said that, thanks to the constant work in genetic improvement, they were about to launch the Kawsay variety potato, a Quechua word meaning Good Life.
This new food, which stands out for its high iron and zinc contents, can be found in various supermarkets. It will be a competitive option against the well-known Yungay and Canchan varieties. The Canchan variety is very versatile for gastronomy and accounts for 70% of the country's total potato production.
Source: agraria.pe