Canadian consumers who avoid potatoes to reduce their carb intake can now try a new Ontario-grown variety that is touted to have a lower glycemic response, meaning it doesn’t cause the rapid spike in blood sugar, which normally comes from eating carbohydrate-rich foods.
“While controlling blood sugar is important for those with diabetes or at risk of developing the disease, there’s a health benefit for everyone,” says Joanne Lewis, director of nutrition and diabetes education with the Canadian Diabetes Association in Toronto.
The new Carisma potato, which is being grown in Waterdown will be available in limited quantities in select stores in Ontario this fall, says EarthFresh Farms, the grower and distributor of the spud, according to the Canadian press.
A food is designated low glycemic if it is rated 55 or less on a scale of 100 when compared to a standard — usually straight glucose or white bread. Testers look at the impact on blood sugars within a two-hour range from consumption in comparison to the standard.
“What that’s demonstrating is that the blood sugars don’t rise as much after consumption as if you were to have another food with a higher glycemic index and so there’s a lot of health benefits to low glycemic index,” says Lewis.
The Carisma potato, which is not genetically modified, originated in Joure, Netherlands. Depending on seed yields, the Carisma will likely be grown next year in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and Prince Edward Island, EarthFresh Farms says.
Charisma potatoes are being rolled out in select Longo’s, Sobeys and Metro stores.
The packaging bears the logo of the Canadian Diabetes Association, which means the product is consistent with the CDA’s nutritional standards and EarthFresh Farms supports its work, according to Lewis.
