Beyonce POTATO
Quick Overview
- Beyoncé is an early maincrop potato variety bred by Agrico Research BV in the Netherlands, designed specifically for the crisping (potato chip) industry.
- It stands out as part of Agrico’s “Next Generation” varieties, which are developed to meet modern agricultural demands like disease resistance and high yield.
- Introduced in 2019, Beyoncé has quickly gained attention for its suitability in producing high-quality potato chips with excellent storage potential.
- Bullet Points:
- Bred by Agrico Research BV, a leading potato breeding company.
- Released in 2019 as a modern crisping variety.
- Part of the “Next Generation” lineup, focusing on sustainability and performance.
Origin & History
- The Beyoncé potato variety was developed in the Netherlands by Agrico Research BV, a company with a long history of potato innovation, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century.
- Introduced to the market in 2019, it emerged from years of selective breeding to enhance traits like blight resistance and dry matter content, reflecting advancements in agricultural science.
- Its name, “Beyoncé,” likely draws inspiration from the global superstar, symbolizing its standout qualities, though it’s a product of Dutch agricultural expertise rather than South American potato origins.
- Bullet Points:
- Originated in the Netherlands, a hub for potato breeding.
- Developed through decades of research, culminating in a 2019 release.
- Named possibly as a nod to Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, emphasizing its bold, premium status.
Specifications
- Beyoncé potatoes are classified as an early maincrop variety, meaning they are harvested slightly later than early varieties but earlier than late maincrops, offering flexibility in growing seasons.
- They are bred with a high dry matter content, typically around 20-22%, which is ideal for producing crispy, golden potato chips with minimal oil absorption.
- The tubers are medium to large in size, with an oval-round shape and light yellow flesh, tailored for uniformity in processing.
- Bullet Points:
- Early maincrop harvest timing (90-110 days post-planting).
- High dry matter content (20-22%), perfect for crisping.
- Oval-round tubers with light yellow flesh and smooth skin.
Key Characteristics
- A defining feature of Beyoncé is its resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans), both in foliage and tubers, reducing the need for chemical treatments and enhancing sustainability.
- It offers good storage capability, maintaining quality over medium-term storage, which is crucial for year-round crisp production.
- The variety produces large, uniform tubers with a light yellow flesh color, ensuring consistent texture and flavor in processed products like potato chips.
- Bullet Points:
- Late blight resistance in both foliage and tubers.
- Medium-term storage suitability (up to 6-8 months under proper conditions).
- Large, uniform tubers with light yellow flesh for consistent crisping.
Health Benefits
- Like all potatoes, Beyoncé provides a good source of carbohydrates (about 60-80% of dry weight), offering sustained energy, especially beneficial when consumed in whole form rather than fried.
- It contains resistant starch, particularly when cooled after cooking, which supports gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria and may improve blood sugar control.
- Rich in potassium and vitamin C, Beyoncé potatoes contribute to heart health and immune function, though frying into chips reduces some nutritional benefits due to added fats.
- Bullet Points:
- High in carbs for energy, with resistant starch for gut health.
- Provides potassium (around 600-700 mg per medium tuber) for heart function.
- Contains vitamin C (about 20-30% daily value per serving), though diminished in frying.