The humble potato is not what it used to be. Spuds are lambasted by many health fanatics for being too high in carbohydrates – but shoppers in New Zealand can now enjoy Lotatoes – the low carbohydrate potato! Lotatoes is initially available exclusively in Countdown supermarkets across the North Island from June 2017, in a 2kg pillow pack.
The potato growers working with T&G (originally Turners & Growers) have produced a naturally bred delicious flavoursome Lotato with 40% less carbs and calories than common potato varieties. Lotatoes are set to put spuds back in the spotlight and centre stage on the dinner plate. Grown sustainably on rolling hills in Pukekohe and Ohakune, the innovation was inspired by nature.
Just like with apples, kiwifruit and countless other staple NZ produce, by simply cross-breeding different varieties of potato together the team have created a winner. Lotatoes look and taste like a top-notch potato, but without the carbs and calories.
Lotatoes grower Jay Masters says, “Lotatoes is the spud of our dreams and we’re so excited that Kiwis get to bring their love of potatoes back to the dinner table.” He adds that Lotatoes have a growing cycle that is 25% shorter than other varieties, which means less water requirements – and that’s good for the planet.
Top nutritionist, Abbie O’Rourke, says: “Recent trends have put potatoes out of favour with many, often replaced with lower carbohydrate or lower calorie alternatives. Lotatoes puts them back at the top of the shopping list. They’re nutritious, delicious and a great source of Vitamin B6, potassium and dietary fibre.”
Michelle Singh, of T&G says: “Lotatoes are a long awaited innovation for us, they’ve been more than five years in the making. We’re thrilled to bring a new and improved staple back to the limelight, and hope Kiwis are too!”
Visit www.lotatoes.co/nz for recipes, grower story and more information.
