ARIZONA POTATO
Quick Overview
- The Arizona potato is a second-early ware variety, prized for its high yields and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, making it a popular choice for growers in southern Europe and North Africa.
- Developed by Agrico in the Netherlands, it’s known for its robust performance, requiring minimal technical input while delivering consistent quality for fresh market use.
- This variety is especially valued for its drought tolerance and versatility, appealing to both commercial farmers and processors seeking reliable crops.
- Bullet Points:
- Second-early type, typically harvested 90-110 days after planting.
- Suited for fresh consumption rather than industrial processing.
- Thrives in warm, dry climates, boosting its appeal in Mediterranean regions.
Origin & History
- The Arizona potato was bred by Agrico Research BV in the Netherlands, resulting from a cross between the English variety UK 150-19D22 and the Dutch-German hybrid Mascotte, and was introduced around the early 2000s.
- Its name draws inspiration from the U.S. state of Arizona, reflecting its ability to grow well in varied, often challenging conditions, much like the state’s resilient landscape.
- Building on European breeding collaborations, it emerged from a lineage aimed at enhancing yield and disease resistance, quickly gaining favor in export markets.
- Bullet Points:
- Developed in the Netherlands with English and German parental influence.
- Introduced in the early 2000s for southern European and North African markets.
- Part of Agrico’s effort to create adaptable, high-performing varieties.
Specifications
- Arizona potatoes are medium to large tubers with an oval to oblong shape, featuring smooth, light yellow skin with shallow eyes that make peeling straightforward.
- The flesh is a pale yellow, with a moderate starch content that balances firmness and tenderness, ideal for a range of culinary applications.
- Plants typically produce a high number of tubers, often yielding 10-15 per plant, with weights averaging around 100-150 grams per tuber under good conditions.
- Bullet Points:
- Medium to large, oval tubers with smooth, light yellow skin.
- Pale yellow flesh with medium starch levels (around 14-16%).
- High tuber count, averaging 10-15 per plant, depending on soil quality.
Key Characteristics
- Arizona potatoes have a waxy to slightly floury texture, allowing them to hold their shape when boiled yet soften nicely for roasting or mashing, offering culinary flexibility.
- They exhibit excellent drought tolerance and multiple virus resistances, including resistance to potato virus Y, making them a hardy choice for sustainable farming.
- The flavor profile is mild and earthy with a subtle sweetness, complemented by a creamy consistency that enhances dishes without overpowering other ingredients.
- Bullet Points:
- Waxy to semi-floury texture, versatile for boiling, roasting, or mashing.
- Resistant to drought and potato virus Y, with good overall resilience.
- Mild, earthy taste with a creamy, slightly sweet finish.
Health Benefits
- Arizona potatoes provide a good source of complex carbohydrates, delivering sustained energy, which is particularly beneficial for active lifestyles or labor-intensive days.
- They are rich in vitamin C for immune support and potassium for maintaining healthy blood pressure, with additional fiber when eaten with the skin to aid digestion.
- Their moderate starch content and potential for resistant starch (when cooled after cooking) can support gut health and help regulate blood sugar levels more effectively than higher-starch varieties.
- Bullet Points:
- High in vitamin C (about 20-25% daily value per medium potato) and potassium.
- Offers 2-3 grams of fiber per serving with skin, promoting digestive health.
- Provides steady energy with some resistant starch benefits for gut flora.