Musica POTATO
Quick Overview
Musica potatoes are a popular table potato variety developed by Meijer Potato, prized for their waxy texture and appealing taste, making them a favorite among potato enthusiasts. This early to mid-early maturing cultivar is versatile, suitable for fresh market use and the chilled fresh industry, offering growers a productive and resilient crop. With their attractive appearance and culinary flexibility, Musica potatoes stand out as a multi-purpose option in modern potato farming.
- Known for ease of cultivation and strong growth.
- Widely appreciated by both growers and consumers.
- Combines productivity with disease resistance.
Origin & History
Musica potatoes were bred by Meijer Potato, a Dutch company renowned for developing innovative potato varieties, though the exact year of introduction isn’t widely publicized. Originating from the Netherlands, a global leader in potato breeding, Musica reflects a lineage of selective breeding aimed at enhancing flavor, yield, and resistance traits. Since its launch, it has gained traction in regions like Italy, Northern Europe, and beyond, with notable adoption in Salento, Italy, by Agricola De Lorenzis Srl starting in 2012.
- Developed in the Netherlands by Meijer Potato.
- Introduced to markets like Italy by 2012.
- Part of a tradition of Dutch potato innovation.
Specifications
Musica potatoes are oval to long-oval tubers with shallow to very shallow eyes, featuring a smooth yellow skin and matching yellow flesh. They typically grow to a medium-to-large size (40-60 mm), with a compact, firm texture ideal for cooking, and are harvested 20-25 days earlier than some traditional varieties like Sieglinde. As a mid-early variety, they thrive in well-drained soils and temperate climates, yielding high proportions of sizable tubers.
- Tuber size: 40-60 mm, oval to long-oval shape.
- Maturity: Mid-early, harvested in about 90-110 days.
- Skin and flesh: Bright yellow, smooth texture.
Key Characteristics
Musica potatoes are celebrated for their waxy, firm flesh that holds up well during cooking, paired with a pleasant, subtle flavor that enhances dishes. They boast a bright yellow skin that’s visually appealing and resistant to blemishes, making them ideal for fresh market sales and pre-packaged products. Their robustness against diseases like Yntn-virus and potato cyst nematodes (A, B, C, D) adds to their appeal for growers seeking reliable yields.
- Texture: Waxy, firm, with good cooking stability.
- Flavor: Mild and tasty, versatile for culinary use.
- Disease resistance: Strong against key potato pathogens.
Health Benefits
Musica potatoes, like most yellow-fleshed varieties, are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, particularly when eaten with the skin. Their antioxidant content, including carotenoids from the yellow flesh, may help combat oxidative stress and support eye health. As a low-fat, gluten-free carbohydrate source, they provide sustained energy and promote satiety, making them a wholesome addition to a balanced diet.
- High in vitamin C and potassium for immune and heart health.
- Contains carotenoids for antioxidant benefits.
- Supports digestion with dietary fiber content.