Peru is home to one of the richest biodiversities on the planet, and among its nutritional gems is purple corn (Zea mays L.), an ancient crop that’s not only a key part of the Andes’ cultural heritage but also a powerful opportunity for global economic growth and health improvement. As international demand for superfoods continues to rise, purple corn should not just be exported more widely — it should also be protected as part of Peru’s biocultural heritage, given its exceptional nutritional, cultural, and economic value.

Maíz Morado Peru

     One of the strongest arguments for elevating purple corn is its high content of anthocyanins — powerful natural antioxidants that give the corn its deep purple color. These compounds help combat premature aging, lower cholesterol levels, prevent cardiovascular disease, and enhance the immune system (Gonzales and Guerra 22). Studies by both Peruvian and international universities have highlighted its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to reduce oxidative stress, drawing significant interest from the functional foods industry. For these reasons, media outlets like Infobae have dubbed it “the Incan elixir of eternal youth,” positioning it alongside global superfoods such as açai berries and blueberries.

     Purple corn also holds significant economic potential for Peru. In 2024, exports of purple corn reached $6.2 million, with approximately 45% of the total going to the United States, making it the largest importer of the product (PromPerú; Agrodata Perú). So far in 2025, this upward trend continues, with a projected 12% increase in volume exported to the U.S. This growth reflects rising demand for flours, extracts, and natural colorants made from purple corn — especially in states like California and New York, where functional foods are in high demand.

Chicha Morada Perú

     Beyond its economic impact, it is essential to protect purple corn as a national heritage crop, particularly against threats like biopiracy and the loss of native varieties. This corn has been a part of Andean food culture since pre-Inca times, as shown by archaeological finds and oral traditions (Chacaltana and Torres 16). Legal protection would ensure its preservation and grant Peru sovereignty over its genetic resources and related benefits. As El Peruano newspaper notes, initiatives like National Corn Day help raise public awareness — a sentiment that must be transformed into effective public policies to support agrobiodiversity and fair trade.

    Purple corn is more than just the key ingredient in chicha moradait is a symbol of health, heritage, and progress. In the face of growing global appreciation for superfoods, Peru has both the opportunity and the responsibility to promote the sustainable export of purple corn while safeguarding it as a national treasure. In doing so, this ancient crop can benefit not only the world but also future generations of Peruvians.

Vegetable Wholesale Los Angeles

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Luis Henry Contreras Del Aguila
Food Industries Engineer Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva- Tingo Maria- Peru
Master in Agribusiness Administration ESAN University – Lima-Peru
CEO, Country Agribusiness

 REFERENCES

Chacaltana, Miguel, and Karla Torres. Alimentos funcionales andinos: biodiversidad y nutrición en el Perú. Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, 2021.

Gonzales, Gustavo, and Silvia Guerra. “Propiedades antioxidantes del maíz morado (Zea mays L.): una revisión científica.” Revista Peruana de Nutrición, vol. 25, no. 1, 2022, pp. 18–27.

“Purple Corn: Discover the Superfood Behind the Magic of Chicha Morada.” Peru.info, PromPerú, https://peru.info/en-us/gastronomy/blogperu/2/45/purple-corn-discover-the-superfood-behind-the-magic-of-chicha-morada.

“Elixir inca de la eterna juventud: superalimento peruano que previene el envejecimiento prematuro.” Infobae, 27 Nov. 2024, https://www.infobae.com/peru/2024/11/27/elixir-inca-de-la-eterna-juventud-superalimento-peruano/.

“Día Nacional del Maíz: sepa los múltiples beneficios a la salud que brinda el maíz morado.” El Peruano, 2024, https://www.elperuano.pe/noticia/211935-dia-nacional-del-maiz-sepa-los-multiples-beneficios-a-la-salud-que-brinda-el-maiz-morado/.

PromPerú. Boletín de Exportaciones Agroindustriales – Maíz Morado. Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo, 2025.

Agrodata Perú. “Exportaciones de maíz morado aumentan 18% en primer trimestre de 2025.” Agrodata.pe, 2025.

2008.