“Potato Saver” as a Sulphite--‐free preservative for fresh cut potatoes.
Wellington Agribusiness Investments Ltd. (WADI), a Guelph based privately owned company has been working for three years on an innovative sulphite-free solution for the preservation of fresh cut potatoes. Research and testing of IceinTM, a natural corn protein extract with positive attributes in the prevention of oxidation of fresh peeled potatoes, was effective in many trials. However, on its own, Icein was neither robust nor consistent enough to be released into a commercial scale operation.
In their search for a sulphite-free alternative, WADI has identified a promising solution involving a new technology formulated with Icein. Under small scale scientific experiments the new product, sulphite-free Potato Saver, has consistently shown positive results in preserving the colour and texture of fresh peeled potatoes for up to 15 days, which exceeds current industry standards.
To gain third party confirmation, WADI recently completed an extensive set of research trials at the Craig Richardson Institute of Food Technology at Conestoga College. This research provided WADI confirmation of the efficacy of Potato Saver and helped quantify operating procedures necessary to make Potato Saver a viable commercial product for Ontario food processors and food service companies.
The highlights of this replicated third party research are as follows:
Potato Saver is effective at preventing browning in whole peeled potatoes for 12 to 15 days when kept refrigerated in a vacuum bag. (Specific bag type and vacuum levels were also quantified) The microbial levels in the vacuum bags were within acceptable industry standards throughout the storage life of the potatoes.
This research is the last stage before full commercial testing of Potato Saver. When complete, Potato Saver will provide processors with a sulphite free alternative to prevent browning of peeled potatoes and an alternative to the costly practice of shipping potatoes in buckets of water.
For further information on Potato Saver or to schedule a visit for a trial contact: Warren Libby at: (519) 841 6357, or Rick Andrews at: (519) 546 8540.
Investment in this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario, this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.
