Two prairie potato farming companies have joined forces to save consumers a few minutes in the kitchen.
Barrich Farms of Outlook, Sask., and Bassano Growers in Bassano, Alta., recently unveiled a new product called Todays Potatoes.
The packaged potatoes have been peeled, cut and partially cooked, and, depending on the product and the recipe, can be ready to eat within 10 to 15 minutes.
Harry Meyers of Barrich Farms told a Saskatoon news conference that partially cooked fresh potato products are popular in Europe and are the fastest-growing segment of the market.
He added that Todays Potatoes has entered into business arrangements and strategic alliances with some European companies to bring similar products to Canada.
A key part of the production process is a food additive called sodium acid pyro phosphate.
It acts to prevent browning of the potato pieces and helps maintain their natural colour. It deactivates iron and other metallic ions in water, preventing oxidization and discolouration.
The potatoes come from both farms, with the processing plant located in Bassano.
