Camel POTATO
Quick Overview
- Camel potatoes are a mid-early maturing table potato variety developed by Stet Holland, prized for their versatility and appeal in the fresh market.
- They feature oval-shaped tubers with a striking deep red skin and dark yellow flesh, making them both visually appealing and suitable for a range of culinary uses.
- With a cooking type classified as AB (intermediate), Camel potatoes offer a balanced texture that works well for boiling, mashing, or roasting.
- Bullet Points:
- Mid-early variety ideal for fresh market consumption.
- Distinctive deep red skin and dark yellow flesh.
- Cooking type AB with a dry matter content of around 18.3%.
Origin & History
- Camel potatoes were bred by Stet Holland, a Dutch company with a strong reputation in potato variety development, and are derived from the parentage of Rosara and RZ-97-6139.
- While the exact introduction date isn’t widely documented, they emerged as part of modern breeding efforts in the Netherlands, a country with a potato cultivation history dating back to the 16th century when potatoes arrived from South America.
- The variety has gained traction in regions like North Africa, Europe, and Pakistan, distributed by companies such as Hunza Seeds Corporation, reflecting its adaptability to diverse climates.
- Bullet Points:
- Developed by Stet Holland in the Netherlands.
- Parentage: Rosara x RZ-97-6139.
- Cultivated globally, including Pakistan and North Africa.
Specifications
- Camel potatoes are a medium-early to main crop variety, typically requiring 90–100 days to mature, with harvest recommended 3–4 weeks after haulm killing to ensure proper skin development.
- The tubers are large, oval, and uniform, featuring shallow eyes, a deep red skin, and a dark yellow flesh with a dry matter content of approximately 18.3%.
- They require careful handling during harvest to avoid bruising and benefit from pre-germination of seed potatoes to break dormancy before planting.
- Bullet Points:
- Maturity: Medium-early (90–100 days).
- Tuber shape: Large, oval, shallow eyes.
- Dry matter content: ~18.3%, red skin, yellow flesh.
Key Characteristics
- Camel potatoes exhibit strong resistance to potato cyst nematodes (Ro1-4 and Pa2,3), making them a robust choice for growers dealing with these pests, though they require treatments for late blight.
- They have good dormancy and storability, with recommendations to start with skin healing and drying at harvest, followed by low-moisture storage to prevent silver scurf.
- The variety is noted for its high yield, quick but not overly abundant foliage development, and suitability for pre-packing due to its attractive appearance and taste.
- Bullet Points:
- Resistant to potato cyst nematodes (Ro1-4, Pa2,3).
- Good dormancy and storability with proper handling.
- High yield and excellent taste for fresh market use.
Health Benefits
- Camel potatoes, like other potatoes, are a rich source of carbohydrates for energy, along with nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, supporting immune function and heart health.
- Their dietary fiber, especially when consumed with the skin, aids digestion, while their resistant starch (increased when cooled after cooking) promotes gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria.
- With negligible fat and cholesterol, they provide a nutritious, low-calorie base for meals when prepared simply, contributing to balanced blood pressure and overall wellness.
- Bullet Points:
- High in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
- Contains resistant starch for gut health.
- Low-fat, heart-healthy option when minimally processed.