Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery at the Inca site of Tambo Viejo on the southern coast of Peru: two perfectly preserved chuño—freeze-dried potato tubers—that lay sealed in a ceramic vessel for approximately 500 years, dating back to the 15th or 16th century. The tubers, identified as the more valued “white chuño” variety, were found alongside ceramic fragments and a spindle whorl, which helped date the layer. While white chuño was traditionally peeled during processing, these specimens still retained skin fragments, possibly hinting at a unique ancient recipe. The exceptional preservation is attributed to two factors: the extremely arid climate of the Pacific coast and the protective seal of the pottery container, making this the first such find in over a century.
The discovery holds profound historical significance because chuño production was only possible in the high-altitude Andean plateaus where nightly frosts occur, yet it was found at sea level. This provides concrete material proof that the Incas transported chuño over vast distances as part of a sophisticated logistical network, storing it in specialized depots. Due to its durability and nutritional value, chuño became a cornerstone of the Inca food system and continued to be used during the colonial period, even supplying mining settlements. Researchers now plan to conduct chemical analyses on the tubers to pinpoint their exact highland origin, which could help reconstruct ancient Inca trade routes and shed light on their extensive distribution networks.
