THE 10 MOST COMMON PRODUCTS OF THE ECUADORIAN HIGHLANDS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The products of the Ecuadorian highlands are short-cycle temperate or subtropical fruits and vegetables.

Located in an area with a relatively high altitude, the proximity to volcanic lands provides the soil with great fertility, however the irregularity of the relief and erosion generate many problems.

Depending on the altitude where a crop is located, the temperature and atmospheric humidity will make the soil more or less suitable for certain types of agricultural products.

In general, the most harvested elements in the Ecuadorian highlands are potatoes, strawberries, wheat and barley.

Products offered by the Ecuadorian highlands

1- Pope

Potatoes are one of the most important agricultural products not only in the mountains, but in all of Ecuador. More than 420 thousand tons are produced throughout the country each year.

In cold areas or páramo (around 3,000 meters of altitude), there are more than 300 species of potatoes grown by small farmers.

Some are unique to the region and highly appreciated by the locals, because they are able to withstand low temperatures and long droughts.

2- Strawberry

Different varieties of this fruit are grown in the mountains, such as the diamond strawberry or the Monterrey strawberry.

The highest production is concentrated in the Pichincha area, where there are crops of about 400 hectares.

3- Wheat

It is extremely important for Ecuador due to the high internal demand of the product for the manufacture of flour.

Currently not enough wheat is produced to meet domestic demand, so the government of Ecuador is implementing plans to improve production.

4- Barley

After years of extremely low production due to the yellow rust disease (a disease that affects barley fields), barley harvesting has been reactivated in the mountains.

Every year Ecuador imports up to 40 thousand tons of barley for the production of beer.

5- Carrot

Carrot and white carrot are grown.

The Province of Tungurahua provides Ecuador with 60% of the national production of this product.

6- Onion

There are several types of onion grown in the highlands of Ecuador, such as white, black and paiteña (purple).

The Paiteña variety is characterized by being very resistant to cold climates and is especially intended for the domestic market, while the white and black onion are export products.

7- Sugar cane

Grown for consumption as a sweetener and for making ethanol.

The Ecuadorian highlands, due to its cold and temperate climatic conditions, is the only area in Ecuador where sugar cane can be cultivated all year round without interruptions.

8- Coffee

Ecuador produces one of the best coffees in the American continent, which is in great demand in Europe.

Ecuadorian coffee is not produced in large fields, but by a large number of small farmers.

9- Flowers

Its roses are considered among the best in the world, and many of the other flowers grown in the mountains do not need refrigeration, so they are imported to the United States and Europe.

10- Apples

Up to 6 varieties of apples are produced in the Ecuadorian highlands, destined for the local market.

References

1. Wilmer Torres (June 29, 2017). Retrieved on October 29, 2017, from El Telégrafo.
2. Native potatoes of Ecuador (January 4, 2011). Retrieved on October 29, 2017, from Cuisine Standard.
3. Barley is reborn in the central-northern Sierra (August 20, 2016). Retrieved on October 29, 2017, from El Telégrafo.
4. Five types of onions: Ecuador (May 21, 2011). Retrieved on October 29, 2017, from El Comercio.
5. Crops of the Ecuadorian Sierra (nd). Retrieved on October 29, 2017, from Scribd.
6. Products That Are Grown In The Coast And Sierra (October 19, 2010). Retrieved on October 29, 2017, from Ecuador Económica.