The hamlet of Taborno is celebrating its 10th Day of the Borralla Potato, organised by the San José Residents’ Association in collaboration with the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, the Cabildo, and sponsoring entities. As part of the Anaga Biofest eco-festival, they are including an ‘Ethnographic Route of the Borralla Potato in Taborno’.

A Unique Experience

This is an experience that combines hiking, nature, and knowledge exchange with local farmers, who share cultivation techniques, the importance of conservation, as well as the characteristics of the land and environmental conditions that allow this potato variety to have its unique flavour.

Sharing Tradition

During the event, residents of Taborno shared a selection of traditional dishes featuring the borralla potato as the star ingredient. Prior to tasting these dishes, workshops on traditional seed exchange, traditional seedbeds, and local seed bombs were held, supported by Santa Cruz Sostenible, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, and the Canary Seed Network.

Significance of the Event

Javier Tejera, the festival director, emphasised that, “We are part of a gathering with great symbolism that the people of Taborno have managed to maintain over the years, which has been crucial in keeping the cultivation of the borralla potato alive, not only for its distinctive flavour but also for its landscape and cultural impact on the surrounding area.”

Support for Local Agriculture

Pedro Millán, the Natural Environment Director, explained that the Cabildo supports this project and promotes “all actions within our reach to foster the development and enhancement of the primary sector and zero-kilometre products throughout the Anaga Biosphere Reserve.” He highlighted that when it comes to the borralla potato, “we are not talking about just any product, but a delicacy cultivated by the men and women of Anaga, which we must defend and continue to value for future generations.”

Cultural Heritage

As the councillor for the Anaga district, Gladis de León noted, the gathering “is not merely a gastronomic celebration but a tribute to the culture and tradition of our land. The ‘Ethnographic Route’ allows us to connect with the roots of Anaga, learn from its farmers, and recognise the value of a potato variety that is more than just food: it is an essential part of our heritage and history.”