Markies POTATO
Quick Overview
- Markies potatoes are a versatile, high-yielding potato variety prized for their excellent frying qualities, making them a favorite for French fries and crisps.
- Developed by Agrico, a Dutch potato cooperative, they are widely cultivated for both processing and fresh consumption markets globally.
- Known for their robust disease resistance and storability, Markies have become a competitive alternative to varieties like Maris Piper in the potato industry.
- Bullet Points:
- High-yielding maincrop variety.
- Ideal for fries, crisps, and table use.
- Popular worldwide, especially in the UK and Kenya.
Origin & History
- Markies potatoes were bred by Agrico in the Netherlands, with a parentage of Fianna and Agria, and introduced to the UK market in 2000.
- Their development focused on creating a variety with superior frying qualities and resistance to common potato diseases, meeting the demands of the processing industry.
- Since their introduction, Markies have gained traction globally, including in regions like Kenya, where they are valued for their adaptability and profitability.
- Bullet Points:
- Originated in the Netherlands by Agrico.
- Cross between Fianna and Agria varieties.
- Introduced in the UK in 2000, now globally grown.
Specifications
- Markies potatoes are oval-shaped tubers with creamy yellow skin and flesh, typically maturing in 120-140 days as a maincrop variety.
- They are planted from March to April and harvested around August, requiring a spacing of about 12 inches apart in rows for optimal growth.
- The variety thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 5.5-7.0 and benefits from consistent moisture without waterlogging.
- Bullet Points:
- Oval tubers, cream skin, yellow flesh.
- Matures in 120-140 days.
- Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
Key Characteristics
- Markies are celebrated for their exceptional frying quality, low sugar content, and ability to maintain consistent color and texture after cooking.
- They exhibit strong resistance to diseases like late blight on tubers, potato virus Yo, and potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis Ro1), alongside good drought tolerance.
- With late foliage maturity but early tuber setting, they offer excellent long-term storability and low nitrogen requirements, making them farmer-friendly.
- Bullet Points:
- Excellent fry quality, low reducing sugars.
- Resistant to multiple diseases and drought.
- Long storage life with good dormancy.
Health Benefits
- Markies potatoes provide a good source of carbohydrates for energy, along with essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium when consumed with the skin.
- Their resistant starch content, especially when cooled after cooking, can support gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria and aiding digestion.
- With low acrylamide potential due to minimal sugar levels, they offer a healthier option for fried foods compared to some other varieties.
- Bullet Points:
- Rich in vitamin C and potassium.
- Contains resistant starch for gut health.
- Lower acrylamide risk when fried.