STUDIES ON THE VITAMIN C RETENTION AND CANNING QUALITY OF POTATOES

Abstract

Effect of cold storage on the quality for canning of 6 potato cultivars (Desiree, Ultimus, Bintje, LaRouge, Lachipper and Abanaki), was studied. Potatoes with high specific gravity had high solid contents in general. Increasing trend in specific gravities (range 0.002 to 0.004) was observed in all stored cultivars. Desiree and Ultimnus sprouted during 4 months storage. All the cultivars showed a slight increase in total solids during storage except Desiree. Drained weight increased in the samples canned after harvest; however, it decreased when potatoes were canned after storage of 4 months. Bintje, La Rouge, Lachipper and Abnaki having high specific gravity and high solid contents, showed severe sloughing accompanied by great mealiness at both the stages of canning. Marked losses in vitamin C contents occurred in the cultivars during storage. A slight decrease was also noted in Vitamin C of all six cultivars during canning after storage.