Mashwa Route

Mashwa

 Mashwa route

Origin 

It is a plant cultivated since pre in the Andes and is represented in the pottery of the time. It originated in the Andean region from Ecuador to Bolivia

Even in these days , between 2900 and 3000 m are wild species that could be the ancestors of this crop.

In the Andes of Ecuador , mashua is currently cultivated on small plots of Indians and peasants , associated with melloco , geese and native potatoes making it difficult to know their acreage and production.

From the agricultural point of view is very rustic mashua because it is grown in poor soil without the use of chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides , and even in these conditions , can double the performance of the potato. Partnering with melloco , geese and native potatoes explain the principles nematicide and insecticide control that owns the plant .
 

DISTRIBUTION

In the Andes of Ecuador , extends from Colombia to Argentina . It has been successfully introduced to New Zealand.

VARIETY : 

We have recognized over 100 varieties of nasturtiums . Germplasm collections exist in Ecuador and Peru . For many color varieties are recognized as Occeañu , yanaañu , pucaañu , yuracañu , kelloañu or sapalluañu , checcheañu and muruañu .
 

It has a high content of protein, carbohydrates , fiber and calories.
The consumption of potatoes , along with potatoes, geese and mellocos , is part of the daily nutritional diet of low-income residents in marginal rural northern and central mountains of Ecuador .

Some varieties of nasturtiums , may contain appreciable amounts of carotene (vitamin A) and vitamin C ( 77 mg in 100 grams of fresh weight ) , with four times the amount of this vitamin found in potato .

A study conducted by FAO in the Peruvian Andes, determines the following composition per 100 grams of fresh mashua :

Power: 52 kilo - calories
Water: 87.4 grams
Protein: 1.5 grams
Fat: 0.7 grams
Fiber: 0.9 grams
Calcium: 12 milligrams
 Iron: 1.0 milligrams
Vitamin A: 12 micrograms

 

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES OF THE TOURIST ROUTE MASHWA.

7:00 am Breakfast
Departs at 8:00 a.m. Quiroga to Morocho community in which appreciate the heritage house.
Promotion from 9:00 a.m. Morocho toward Cuicocha where paramal appreciate from a view it will be useful to relax the tourist. The decline of this trekking visit the following places:
9:30 a.m. Walk down the path Natural Cuicocha through this tour know the importance of medicinal plants.
11:00 a.m. Stop 1: Visit to Sisa Faccha Waterfall
11:30 a.m. Stop 2: Visit to the Mashua crops where admire the growing process, their associations with other plants as the melloco potatoes, oca for cultivation.
1:00 p.m. Lunch
2:30 p.m. Stop 3: Visit the Alpacas, for watching and taking pictures of these animals.
3:30 p.m.: Descent into dark-haired community, to observe you elaborate crafts and alpaca wool.
2:30 p.m. Stop in UNORCAC Organization for watching the process of making the drink Mashua.

Alpaca