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WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 21 2360-9Broekema12v.indd 1 6/25/19 2:41 PM The Original Light Blocking Combo Bag The Ultra Shield's ® two-layer design blocks 100% of visible light and 90% of ultraviolet light, dramatically reducing potato greening. www.foxbag.com | (956) 682-6176 2360-8FoxSolutions16h.indd 1 6/25/19 10:48 AM If Generation Z food preferences are tilting away from traditional foods toward convenience, nutritional value, sensory qualities, smaller portions and novelty, then fresh-market specialty and baby potatoes may appeal to these consumers. Demographics that find white potatoes "boring" or "old-fashioned" may be attracted to visually striking specialty potatoes that possess unique flavor profiles. The color of yellow-fleshed potatoes is due to carotenoids that have various health-promoting effects including eye health and reduced risk of macular degeneration. The color of red, blue and purple potatoes is due to anthocyanins, which, along with other phenylpropanoids, can be present in high amounts in these potatoes—over 18 milligrams of anthocyanins per gram dry weight in some lines we've analyzed, which rival or surpass amounts found in better-known sources of anthocyanins such as plums, red cabbage and blueberries. Phenylpropanoids are desirable in the diet and are thought to promote cardiovascular health, possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, along with numerous other health-promoting effects. Baby potatoes are a good example of a product in line with trending consumer- desired traits. These are sometimes called new potatoes, little potatoes, baby bakers, minis or creamers. They are considered a premium product with superior taste, visual appeal and higher amounts of many phytonutrients than mature potatoes. They are sold in smaller quantities, have smaller portion sizes, and are suitable for tapas and shared plates. Baby potatoes do not require peeling, and the smaller size leads to shorter cooking times, conducive to changing lifestyles where people have fewer family sit-down dinners and spend less time cooking. In terms of future demand, the potatoes' ability to provide a high amount of calories and nutrition per acre suggests they will be important for food security. For consumers increasingly seeking non- traditional foods and alternative methods of preparation, specialty and baby potatoes may hold appeal. Roy Navarre and Max Feldman are research geneticists with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service. Both are based at the Irrigated Agriculture Research & Extension Center in Prosser, Wash.