Low-carb potato hits the market for grateful carb watchers

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 30 May 2004 - 10:00 PDT


People who have shunned potatoes because of their high and fast carbs need abstain no more - welcome the low-carb potato. This potato, created by American scientists along with a Dutch seed company, is so low in carbs that you can include it in an Atkins-type eating lifestyle (later stages of Atkins diet).

The new potato needs a name as it has not been christened yet. Some are calling it Spud-u-Lite, while others are saying 'slim-fries'.

It has been developed in the USA along with a Dutch seed company. It looks pretty much the same as any ordinary potato, it is yellow and waxy with a smooth skin. Researchers say that its flavour is exceptional.

The 'Spud-u-Lite' has 33% fewer carbs (carbohydrates) than a regular potato.

A smiling spokesman for Atkins nutritionals said "Normally, we wouldn't recommend potatoes. It sounds as if you could eat these potatoes in larger quantities during the later stages of the Atkins diet, once you have reached your target weight."

Potato farmers and anyone involved in selling potatoes and potato products must be relieved at this news. There have been recent indications that potato companies and farmers have experienced drops in sales ever since people have been blaming carb bingeing for overweight, obesity and type 2 diabetes increases.

Dr. Chad Hutchinson, from Florida University, and HZPC, a Dutch seed company, have been working on developing a new carb-friendly potato for years. Hutchinson said this new spud 'is the future of the potato'. He also added that this new potato is the result of breeding rather than genetic tinkering.

Scientists say this potato has lower carbs because its flesh is less dense than a regular potato. The fact that it ripens (ready to cook and eat) more quickly than a normal potato also helps to keep its carb content low.

If all goes according to plan, Florida farmers will be producing this low-carb potato soon and people will be able to buy them early next year.

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