Purple-fleshed Potato Research Articles

PROCESSING POTATOES FOR THE SPECIALTY MARKET IN WASHINGTON

Specialty potatoes have been evaluated in a number of on-farm trials conducted by Washington State Univ. Cooperative Extension. This work has led to the commercial success of a number of yellow- and purple-fleshed potato cultivars in Washington. These cultivars are currently marketed as fresh potatoes for baking and boiling. In 1992, the processing quality of selected specialty potato cultivars was evaluated. Twenty-five cultivars were prepared as chips and french fries and evaluated for taste, color, and market acceptance. Evaluators noticed differences in flavor and texture, as well as in color, and the scores of individual cultivars varied widely. Strong opinions were expressed on the market acceptance of the various yellow-, orange-, pink-, and purple-fleshed cultivars. A majority of evaluators said that they would buy chips and french fries made from specialty potatoes.