Colored Phytochemical-Rich Potatoes
The skin of the potato is a deep garnet red, its flesh a brilliant ruby. When boiled and mashed it turns a creamy fuchsia. As a chip it’s a delicate rose pink that would fit in at tea parties and fundraisers.
That is just one of the several types of potatoes being evaluated by researchers at Oregon State University, for its suitability for growing under organic conditions i.e., zero use of synthetic pesticides. Aside from being organic, these potatoes are also being screened for its “value-added” traits that would up their chances of being a hit among consumers: better taste, unusual shapes, different skin and flesh colors and increased levels of phytochemicals which confer protective or disease preventive properties.
Blue potato chips, anyone? See slide shows of colored potato chips and the colored potatoes they came from, from the OSU website.
Tags: colored-potatoes, diet, functional-food, health, health-food, Healthy Eating, healthy-diet, nutraceuticals, nutrition, phytochemicals, potato-chips, potatoesRelated Stories
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3 opinions for Colored Phytochemical-Rich Potatoes
Eating Fabulous
Jan 5, 2007 at 3:51 pm
[…] 1. Chocolates: Dark ones for your heart, milky ones for your brain. 2. Oils: Saturated fats are just one part of the equation. Some oils are also rich in Vitamin E. “A fat soluble vitamin, it works as an antioxidant and may lower LDL, or bad cholesterol, protect against heart disease and promote healthy skin.” 3. Potatoes: “Red, purple-skinned and sweet potatoes also are high in carotenoids, which protect against lung cancer and help fight heart disease and diabetes.” And scientists are continuously on the hunt for other varieties of phytochemical rich potatoes. Remember my entry on blue potato chips? 4. Nuts and Nut Butters: Walnuts, for example, are even better than olive oil in preventing heart disease, according to a recent study. 5. Coffee: I’ve covered coffee extensively here at EatingFabulous, discussing its benefits on decreasing risks of diabetes, reducing cognitive decline and many more. 6. Bruschetta: “Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant that can protect against cancer, heart disease and even macular degeneration.” And then there’s the garlic and olive oil, too! 7. Spices: Large doses of cinnamon may help lower blood glucose, and turmeric has been reported to ease pain in arthritis patients, as well as lower risk of colon cancer. 8. Tea: “Studies suggest that many types of tea, including black, green, white or oolong, may help prevent cancer and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.” There are a number of entries discussing the various health benefits of tea here at EatingFabulous, too! 9. Soups: “Just a cup can sneak more antioxidant-packed vegetables into your diet.” Oh, and yes, chicken soup does wonders, indeed! […]
Eating Fabulous Surprisingly Healthy Foods « juxtablog
Jan 14, 2007 at 1:10 am
[…] Eating Fabulous » Surprisingly Healthy Foods January 14, 2007 at 1:09 am | In Food | 3. Potatoes: “Red, purple-skinned and sweet potatoes also are high in carotenoids, which protect against lung cancer and help fight heart disease and diabetes.” And scientists are continuously on the hunt for other varieties of phytochemical rich potatoes. Remember my entry on blue potato chips? […]
Maria Lourdes Miguel
Dec 5, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Hello. I would like to know where I can get colored potatoes to grow in my farm. If you could refer me to any gardening or seed company…that would be great.
Thank you.
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