Canadá: New ’better for diabetics’ potato attractive to P.E.I. growers

The Carisma potato was launched this week by an Ontario company EarthFresh Foods Inc. It’s being marketed with a low glycemic index, with the support of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

A Russet Burbank potato has a GI of about 90 versus the Carisma potato at 50, according to EarthFresh.

Carisma potato

A Russet Burbank potato has a glycemic index of about 90 versus the Carisma potato (pictured) with a GI of 50, according to EarthFresh. (Submitted by EarthFresh)

"This would appeal to, you know, people maybe interested in weight control," said Don Northcott with Real Potatoes Limited, a potato production and development company in Cornwall, P.E.I. 

"I know many of the people who suffer from diabetes are interested in this as well."

Northcott said following food trends and taking advantage of specialized markets are important when it comes to choosing which potato varieties to develop and grow.

Lots of interest in new variety says company

EarthFresh said there has been a lot of interest in the potatoes since the product was released earlier this week.

"With the Diabetes Association estimating 11 million Canadians that live with diabetes, or pre-diabetes, including those who are undiagnosed, it’s great that they can have a food offering now that has a lower glycemic response,"  said Stephanie Cutaia, marketing director for EarthFresh.

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"It’s a slow release carbohydrate that doesn’t spike their blood glucose sugar levels."

This low GI rating is not achieved through genetic modification. Carisma potatoes are a variety that contains more water and less starch than other potatoes, according to the company.

Only eight hectares of the Carisma spuds are being grown and sold in Ontario this year, but EarthFresh would like to at least double the hectares and expand outside of Ontario next year. 

Expansion into P.E.I. possible

"We’d love to work with some of the growers in P.E.I.," said Cutaia. She believes this premium product would earn farmers more than some traditional varieties.

Greg Donald, general manager P.E.I. potato board

General manager of the P.E.I. Potato Board, Greg Donald, hopes Island farmers will explore this new potato variety. (CBC)

The P.E.I. Potato Board would encourage Island farmers to consider the Carisma potato for next year.

"Healthier lifestyles are more important to us, and so we’re looking more and more for foods that meet those needs," said Greg Donald, the board’s general manager. 

"So certainly as farmers we need to keep in touch with what the needs of our customers are and continue to change and look for new varieties that’ll meet those needs. It’s an opportunity."