We grow more potatoes than any other vegetable in Canada! Manitoba led the country in potato production in 2020, followed by Alberta and Prince Edward Island. Whether you’re savouring potatoes for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’re also supporting the Canadian agriculture sector.
To celebrate one of Canada’s most important vegetables, let us show you that there is more to potatoes than meets the “eyes”.
Using potato waste to make green plastics
In Canada, we process an enormous amount of potatoes to make French fries, instant mashed potatoes, and chips. Scientists at the University of Alberta have found a way to transform the waste derived from the processing of potatoes into biodegradable plastic, similar to plastic wrap. Unlike plastic wrap however, we can put this product in the compost and it will decompose.
This innovation allows us keep our food fresh and delicious, while reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.
Expanding the menu for people with diabetes
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientist Dr. Benoît Bizimungu and his team created a new potato variety with a low glycemic index (GI). High GI foods cause a large spike in blood sugar after eating. Since the management of blood sugar is important for people with diabetes, this can be a problem.
This new low GI potato digests slowly, and doesn’t cause a large spike in blood sugar, allowing people with diabetes to enjoy potatoes more frequently.
Using drones to improve potato yield
In Atlantic Canada, potato farmers are looking for ways to improve their potato yields. Our scientists worked with universities, producers and industry, using drone technology (Video) and specialized cameras, to identify areas within potato fields that are not performing well.
The drones take photos from above, which gives scientists a look at entire fields. This allows them to pinpoint sections with unhealthy crops more easily.
Once they have identified the areas, scientists look at factors that impact growth, such as soil health, plant stress, and nutrient management. They can then apply precision agriculture solutions and save resources by treating the parts of the field that need it most. Some of these solutions include adjusting nutrient levels and adding soil amendments.
This new technology will help potato farmers find and solve production problems, which will lead to a better potato yield. This way, Canadian farmers can continue to provide high quality potatoes while staying competitive.
Potatoes for all occasions
Need a tasty meal? Potatoes are a great option! We grow about 150 varieties in Canada. With that much variety, there is a perfect potato for every dish!
- Russet potatoes are ideal for baking, mashing or frying. They have a high starch content giving them a dry fluffy texture when they’re cooked.
- Red skin potatoes and other lower starch varieties are best for salads and soups because they hold their shape well.
- The Yukon Gold is a superb all-purpose potato and it was developed right here in Canada. It will hold its shape and taste great, mashed or fried!
Learn about even more exciting projects involving potatoes, and about the people behind them. Check out Dr. Claudia Goyer’s and Dr. Helen Tai’s work in their Fields of Science features.
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