Physicochemical and frying quality of potato cultivars in winter season

Given the raising consumption of potato chips, the identification of quality parameters of potato tubers has become essential. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and frying quality of potato tubers of different cultivars grown in the winter cropping season. Tubers were obtained from a field experiment in the winter season in Itai, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The experimental design was of completely randomized blocks with four replications. Treatments consisted of five potato cultivars (Agata, Asterix, Atlantic, Markies and Mondial). Tubers of Mondial and Agata cultivars showed suitable characteristics for fresh market, so they can be recommended for the preparation of pasta and baked dishes, for which the preservation of the tuber shape is essential. Markies showed double cooking ability, i.e., suitable for preparation of pasta as well as for frying. The tubers of Atlantic, Asterix and Markies cultivars presented good frying quality, however, Markies cultivar showed pulp, sticks and chips with more intense yellow color.