Potatoes are an integral part of many New Zealanders’ diets, whether mashed up or sliced into chips, but there has always been a very distinct issue with them: they’re not perceived as being particularly healthy.
But now some New Zealand potato growers have created a new kind of potato they claim has 40 percent fewer carbohydrates.
Growers Andrew Keeney says the Lotato, as the new variety is being called, is grown in Pukekohe and Ohakune, and created by cross-breeding other varieties.
“Initially, these potatoes were bred by their parents for the fact they were [flavorful], they were good-looking and an appealing-looking potato,” says Keeney. “As a natural result, we ended up with a low-carb, low-calorie potato.”
Keeney says they’re an “all-purpose” potato, suitable for any part of the plate—boiled, mashed, roasted or fried.
The Lotato was created because people were shifting toward healthier options.
“There was really a clear need for a low-carb potato option,” says Keeney. “It’s very similar to other trends you’re seeing around low sugar and less fat, and low carbs fits that box as well.”
The Lotato got a ringing endorsement from comedian Jeremy Corbett during a taste-test on the popular New Zealand TV show The Project.
“I would eat those,” Corbett said on the show. “Not bad, I’d go those.”
Source: Newshub