What specific pigments derive the intense pigmentation of Peruvian purple potatoes?
Answer
Anthocyanins
The intense, deep pigmentation of the purple potato is directly attributed to the presence of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are a powerful group of pigments that are also responsible for the characteristic deep reds, blues, and purples observed in other foods such as grapes, blueberries, and blackberries. This concentration of anthocyanins is the primary feature that sets purple varieties apart nutritionally and visually from white or yellow potatoes, conferring a significantly higher total antioxidant capacity due to their function as potent antioxidants in the body.
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