RPE Brings New Potato Variety to Market
American full-service grower, shipper, and marketer of fresh potatoes, RPE, is bringing a new premium red potato variety to market this fall, a product 12 years in development.
Tim Huffcutt, vice president of sales and marketing operations, RPE, said: “RPE Golden Red™ premium potatoes are the new gold standard in red potatoes. Compared to common red potatoes, these superior stunners have a vibrant red skin with a rich, yellow interior and a sweet, creamy taste.”
This potato variety started out in the Netherlands where it showed early promise based on yield, internal and external quality, as well as disease and insect resistance. Likewise, the variety performed well in growing regions of the U.S. and Canada.
Sensory testing showed that not only does the Golden Red taste better than standard, mainstream red potatoes, but its internal and external appearance outshines its commodity counterpart, RPE revealed. Beyond the appearance of the Golden Red is its performance in the kitchen and flavor.
Chris McAdams, research chef, RPE commented: “I truly believe this potato was built for potato salad, it’s phenomenal in that application. Once it’s cooked, it holds its shape and texture much better than comparable potatoes. When you cut it after boiling, it doesn’t break apart or get grainy, which is what makes it ideal for a potato salad.”
Chef Chris also recommends consumers prepare this potato either boiled, roasted, or fried. “These methods highlight the creamy texture and sweet, mildly-earthy flavor,” he said.
According to the press release, trials to bring a new variety to market often take years, and the number of test candidates at the onset of testing might start out at 200 different varieties with eventually one or two reaching commercial production.
The Golden Red premium potato is an RPE-exclusive varietal and will be available this fall in a three-pound, poly light-blocker, bilingual bag.
