Nutrient composition and starch characteristics of eight European potato cultivars cultivated in South Africa

The nutrient composition and starch properties of eight potato cultivars (Electra, Fianna, Innovator, Mondial, Navigator, Panamera, Savanna and Sifra) were evaluated, to determine their value to human nutrition and to inform decisions for culinary usage. Potatoes that had been cultivated under the same agronomic conditions were used. The results showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the parameters measured. Fianna and Innovator had the highest dry mass of 22 and 21%, respectively, while Electra had the lowest (16%). Innovator, together with Navigator, displayed the highest starch content (17.9% fresh weight [fw]), with the highest proportion of amylose (27.2% dry weight [dw]). However, Fianna and Panamera had the highest protein content (2.87 and 2.53% fw, respectively). Electra had the highest calcium (10.2 g 100 g−1 fw) and iron (2.91 g 100 g−1 fw) content. This represents a contribution of 3 and 32%, respectively, to the population-weighted estimated average dietary requirement of Africa. Innovator also contained the lowest aluminium contribution (12%) to the tolerable weekly intake limit set by the FAO. In addition to low amylose, the starch of Mondial had a high swelling power, oil absorption capacity and gelatinisation enthalpy, and a greater frequency of small-sized granules.