All Blue potatoes are probably the most direct descendent of potatoes found almost 10,000 years ago high in the Peruvian Andes mountains. Blue and purple pigments developed as mechanisms to shield tubers from excessive levels of ultra violet light found at high altitudes. The first potatoes grew in crevices and rocky outcroppings where the soil is very shallow. Developing tubers had only a scant layer of dirt to cover them, so purple and blue pigments evolved over time as a natural sunshade. Any potato is easy to grow, and All Blues are even easier, as they seem to resist fungal diseases.
Blue fleshed potatoes have more vitamins and antioxidants than white potatoes. They have as much anti-oxidant power as Brussels sprouts, kale and spinach. Give them a try a long with your favorite potato. Weather is awesome, great spring weather this week, it will dry out and it will be time to plant. Till next time, this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa.