Farmer to market lo-carb spuds

WebPosted Mar 5 2004 10:30 AM AST

http://pei.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/...rbspud200400305

SAINT JOHN — A farmer in southeast New Brunswick is experimenting with potatoes in order to prove that spuds can be a part of the low carb craze.

Many people are turning off starchy foods, such as potatoes and pasta, for high protein diets that promise rapid weight loss.

Peerman Kummer is one of many Maritime farmers worried that the diet, often referred to as the Atkins diet, will destroy the potato industry.

"Potatoes suddenly got pushed into the corner as a source of food that makes you gain too much weight," Kummer said.

He has been experimenting with potato varieties for years and believes he has found two types of potatoes that are low enough in carbs to satisfy dieters.

According to lab results, the 'Adora' and 'Fabula' varieties have 25 per cent fewer carbohydrates than traditional favourites like Russet or Yukon Gold.

The farmer plans to market them, though he said he is not abandoning other kinds of potatoes.

Despite the trendy diets, many nutritionists still say spuds are good for you.