Scientists of the Institute of Potato Growing of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine have bred two varieties of potatoes with a bright inner color: "Solokha" - purple, "Khortytsya" - pink.
Varieties were created over ten years. Selection was carried out by crossing Ukrainian and American potato varieties.
"This is an environmentally friendly product created by the method of standard selection without the involvement of genetically modified organisms.", - said the head of the department of biotechnology and biotechnological systems of the Institute of Potato Growing of Ukraine Iryna Tymoshenko.
New potato varieties are dietetic and contain a minimal amount of starch.
“The varieties have this color due to anthocyanin pigments, which are antioxidants. It is this pigment that fights against skin aging, improves immunity and lowers blood sugar levels. ", - added Sofia Lyashchenko, head of the production and storage technologies department at the Potato Institute.
For the first time, such potatoes were bred by American scientists for astronauts working in outer space to deal with the effect of radiation on the body.
It is specified that "Khortytsya" and "Solokha" cost an average of 120 UAH / kg (289 rubles / kg). Purple and pink vegetables are bought by restaurants for exotic dishes and baby food. In 2018, colored tubers were in short supply, this year they hope to avoid such a situation due to new plantings.
Source: https://fruitnews.ru