Folate is higher in developmentally younger potato tubers

BACKGROUND: Folate deficiency is a global nutritional problem and is problematic even in the developed world. Several studies have shown that, because of their high consumption, potatoes are an important source of dietary folate. New or baby potatoes constitute a valuable niche market that has been expanding in recent years. In this study, folate concentrations were measured throughout tuber development, including the new potato stage. RESULTS: Folate concentrations were determined in tubers from three cultivars harvested at regular intervals throughout the growing season. Folate was higher in young tubers and dropped 2.6- to 3.4-fold by the time of harvest. Analysis of the transcription of 11 genes involved in folate metabolism suggested that developmental changes in folate concentrations may be controlled primarily at the post-transcriptional level. CONCLUSION: Folate concentrations were higher in younger tubers and substantially higher in some cultivars. New potatoes can be a significant source of folate, and new potato characteristics such as this are likely to be valued by consumers. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry