[Cyn]

Has anyone heard of this? I saw on tv-it is lower in carbs and is similar to a yukon gold potato. I dont know if they are selling them yet though.

[NeedtoLose]

I saw a preview of the news one night where they were going to talk about it, but then never heard it mentioned again. I wonder if it is available. I think if I really wanted a potato, I would have a normal one.

[Cyn]

I was thinking the same thing. Too many times when you get these experimental things the taste is so bad--no matter how great they make it sound if it doesnt taste good then why bother? And most of the time you dont save that much--and if the carbs are lower the fat or something else will be higher.

[NeedtoLose]

I found some information on it....

Source: University Of Florida

Date: 2004-06-08


New Low-carb Potato To Debut In January
GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Potatoes may be on the no-no list for high-protein diets, but a University of Florida researcher says a new low-carb potato will help win back die-hard carbohydrate counters.


"Consumers are going to love the flavor and appearance of this potato and the fact that it has 30 percent fewer carbohydrates compared to a standard Russet baking potato," said Chad Hutchinson, an assistant professor of horticulture with UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

"The potato doesn't look or taste like anything that's now on the market, and it's not a genetically engineered crop," Hutchinson said. "When it comes to beautiful potatoes, this one is a real winner for growers and consumers."

Hutchinson, a potato expert, said five seasons of evaluation in his research program at UF show the tuber can handle Florida weather extremes and is ready to be marketed as a premium, gourmet potato. UF is the first test site in the United States for the European import, which was developed by HZPC, a seed company based in the Netherlands.

Available to consumers in January 2005, the new spud will be marketed under a yet-to-be determined name, and it is expected to be a boon for Florida's $120 million potato industry.

Hutchinson said 3 ½ ounces of the new potato contain about 13 grams of carbohydrate compared to around 19 grams in the same size serving of a Russet Burbank potato.

"Although potatoes are not part of the Atkins diet, the fact of the matter is that potatoes contain no fat, and they are a good source of fiber, protein and vitamins. They have vitamin C and B-6, and they are low in sodium and high in potassium. And, potato skins are an excellent source of fiber," Hutchinson said.

Independent research in Canada confirmed the spud's low-carbohydrate profile. Hutchinson said it is due in part to the lower specific gravity, which relates to the amount of starch in the potato, compared to the more widely recognized Russet Burbank baking potato. "The smooth, buff-colored skin and light yellow flesh will make this potato an attractive and tasty alternative in many traditional potato recipes," he said.

To prepare for what they hope will be a surge in potato consumption by consumers and food processors, Florida potato growers have formed the SunFresh of Florida Marketing Cooperative.

Wayne Smith, president of the cooperative in Hastings, said commercial growers will plant their first crop in September for a January harvest, and the potato can be grown throughout Florida's potato-growing areas. Markets for the Florida tubers include the U.S. Northeast and Canada.

Don Northcott, marketing manager for HZPC Americas Corp. on Prince Edward Island, Canada, said the new variety grows in a short period of time. The potato can be harvested in 65 to 75 days compared to more than 100 days for existing potato varieties grown in Florida. The shorter growing period will allow spring and fall crops to be produced for harvesting from January through June.

"The variety has high tolerance to environmental stresses like high temperatures or dry weather. In fact, under warm-weather conditions, this variety develops an extremely attractive appearance in terms of brightness of skin and smooth appearance," Northcott said.

He said the potato skin develops early, which enhances resistance to mechanical damage so the potatoes can arrive on store shelves with minimal defects. The variety has some resistance to tuber greening, which increases store shelf life.

"The combination of good Florida soils, warm temperatures and the experience of Florida producers sets the stage for delivery of a fresh potato flavor treat for consumers in northern areas of the U.S. as well as Canadian consumers," Northcott said. "We are looking forward to the first crop of fresh, low-carb potatoes from Florida this coming January."


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0608065835.htm

[NeedtoLose]

I also thought you might be interested in this...

Frito-Lay to Market Low-Carb Doritos and Tostitos
Wednesday, January 14, 2004

NEW YORK — Snack foods company Frito-Lay said Wednesday it is introducing two new types of chips to capitalize on the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets.

The two new products, called Doritos Edge and Tostitos Edge, will cut out 60 percent of the carbohydrates that are in regular Doritos and Tostitos.

Frito-Lay, a unit of PepsiCo Inc. (PEP), has already eliminated trans fats from its brands. Trans fats, which give products a longer shelf life, have been linked to heart disease.

The new chips will use soy proteins and fiber as substitute ingredients, the company said in a statement. Both Tostitos Edge and Doritos Edge will have six net carbohydrates, 10 grams of protein, and three grams of fiber.

The low-carb craze, popularized by the high-protein Atkins diet, has food companies rolling out new products to jump on the bandwagon.

Fast food chains McDonald's Corp. (MCD) and Burger King revamped their menus to cater to customers counting their carbs.

The alcohol industry is also taking notice. Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc.'s (BUD) low-carb Michelob Ultra beer has been a big profit driver for the past year and Adolph Coors Co. (RKY) is rolling out Aspen Edge beer to take a part of the health-conscious market.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,108373,00.html

[Cyn]

Hey thanks! I always like to check out new diet stuff! I have to be careful with anything that has soy because my niece that I babysit is allergic and she always wants to eat what I eat.

[NeedtoLose]

Soy is my friend! LOL!

I read up some more on the doritos and it does not sound like the low carb ones got a very good review.

[blessed]

I tried the lower carb potatoes and thought they were great! But I don't see them in my area anymore. Personally I think they're still too high in carbs for most low carbers, especially Atkineers.