To develop a unique management tool for delivering improved freshness and reduced wastage in new potatoes

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There is considerable potential for increasing the sales and consumption of fresh new potatoes in the UK. Small new potatoes are quick to prepare and to cook, meeting the requirement for more convenient products. However, customers expect consistent performance; small tubers with bright tender skins, a full ‘earthy’ taste & flavour and a soft waxy texture associated with freshly dug potatoes.However, current supply chain processes deliver an inconsistent product. New potatoes are immature and quality can deteriorate quickly if potatoes are not managed appropriately.The project aims to identify how the washing and cold chain process can be managed more effectively to deliver both an improved and more consistent product and to reduce wastage due to poor quality.By linking the washing & cooling of potatoes as soon as possible after harvesting and ensuring there is maximum amount of accumulated heat units by the time the product reaches the customer will deliver a more consistent fresh tasting product.The project will link the accumulated heat management tool to consumer preference testing of cooked product to show that there is a significant consumer benefit. This is an important stage of validating the washing & cooling process and the number accumulated heat units that need to be controlled.