Cidra papa in Colombia: how a traditional crop is beginning to gain ground in the country’s agrifood systems
In Colombia, cidra papa, also known as guatila or chayote, is neither a new nor an unfamiliar crop. It has always been there: in farms, home gardens, and traditional kitchens. It is one of those foods that are part of everyday life in many territories, consumed without much explanation simply because it has always been there; and yet, this familiarity has not necessarily translated into recognition.
- Climate Action
- Genebank
Cidra papa in Colombia: how a traditional crop is beginning to gain ground in the country’s agrifood systems
In Colombia, cidra papa, also known as guatila or chayote, is neither a new nor an unfamiliar crop. It has always been there: in farms, home gardens, and traditional kitchens. It is one of those foods that are part of everyday life in many territories, consumed without much explanation simply because it has always been there; and yet, this familiarity has not necessarily translated into recognition.
For a long time, cidra papa has remained in a discreet position within agrifood systems: present, but not very visible; known, but not strongly positioned. Today, that perspective is beginning to shift more decisively.
Within the framework of the validation workshop on cidra papa results, led by the Bioversity & CIAT Alliance under the Crop Trust’s Power of Diversity Funding Facility (PDFF) project, actors from across the value chain: producers, processors, traders, researchers, and institutions, came together to analyze its current state, share experiences, and reflect on its potential.
More than a technical space, this meeting opened a key conversation: understanding what is happening with cidra papa and what is needed to strengthen its development, increase its commercialization, and expand its consumption.