RIVIERA POTATO

Quick Overview

Riviera potatoes are an ultra-early, high-yielding table potato variety prized for their rapid growth and adaptability. Developed as a first-early ware variety, they are popular among growers for their attractive tubers and reliable performance in various climates. They belong to the Solanum tuberosum species, offering a versatile option for early harvests in temperate regions.

• Ultra-early variety with a growing season as short as 40 days from sprouting to first harvest.
• Known for high yields, often exceeding 300 kg per 100 square meters under optimal conditions.
• A staple in commercial and home gardening due to its consistent quality and market appeal.

Origin & History

Riviera potatoes were bred in the Netherlands by the agricultural firm Agrico through a cross between the Minerva and Alcmaria varieties. Introduced to the market and officially registered in Russia’s State Register in 2013, they quickly gained popularity across Europe and beyond. This variety reflects centuries of potato domestication, tracing back to the Andean highlands of South America, where potatoes were first cultivated 7,000–10,000 years ago.

• Originated from Dutch breeding efforts focused on early maturity and resilience.
• Builds on a legacy of potato cultivation that began in Peru and Bolivia millennia ago.
• Adopted widely in regions like Russia’s Moscow area, Siberia, and the North Caucasus since its introduction.

Specifications

Riviera potatoes produce tall, erect bushes reaching up to 1 meter, with strong stems and dark green, wavy-edged leaves. The tubers are oval-shaped with light yellow, slightly rough skin, shallow eyes, and beige, granular flesh, typically weighing 100–170 grams each. A single plant can yield up to 15 tubers, making it a prolific producer for its early-season classification.

• Plant height: Up to 1 meter with robust, upright growth.
• Tuber size: Medium to large, averaging 100–170 grams per tuber.
• Yield potential: Up to 15 tubers per plant, with 85–95% marketable quality.

Key Characteristics

Riviera potatoes stand out for their excellent drought and heat tolerance, ensuring good yields even in challenging summers. They exhibit strong resistance to mechanical damage, potato cancer, banded mosaic, and nematodes, though they are susceptible to late blight and scab. Their attractive appearance, long shelf life (94% keeping quality at 4°C), and ability to produce two crops in a season under greenhouse conditions make them highly desirable.

• Drought-resistant, thriving in dry conditions without significant yield loss.
• High resistance to physical damage, ideal for transport and storage.
• Susceptible to late blight, requiring preventive measures like fungicide treatment.

Health Benefits

Like other potatoes, Riviera potatoes are a nutritious source of carbohydrates, providing energy through starch, including resistant starch that supports gut health. They likely contain essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, particularly when consumed with the skin, contributing to immune function, heart health, and digestion. While specific data on Riviera’s nutritional profile is scarce, their low fat and cholesterol content aligns with the general health benefits of properly prepared potatoes.

• Rich in resistant starch, promoting beneficial gut bacteria and blood sugar control.
• Good source of vitamin C and potassium, aiding immunity and muscle function.
• Low in fat and sodium, offering a healthy base for meals when not fried or heavily processed.