Nearly a decade following its introduction, the University of Maine's Caribou Russet potato variety is gaining popularity among both consumers and producers in the state. This oblong, reddish-brown potato with white flesh is celebrated for its versatility in the kitchen, being suitable for a range of cooking methods including mashing, frying, and baking. Additionally, it is noted for its productivity and resistance to diseases like hollow heart and verticillium wilt.
The Caribou Russet has quickly become a dominant variety in Maine's potato market, surpassing other breeds that have led for over a century. It represents about 10 percent of sales for Wood Prairie Farm in Bridgewater, a significant figure given the farm's focus on organic seed potatoes. The 2023 planting season saw Caribou Russets as the top seed potato variety in Maine, underscoring its rising prominence in the region's agricultural landscape.
Irving Farms, a major player in the local potato industry, has expressed a strong preference for the Caribou Russet, citing its high yields, relatively short growing season, and appeal to both processors and consumers. The variety's adaptability for different culinary uses, including fresh consumption, potato chips, and french fries, makes it particularly attractive in the market.
Maine's potato production has remained steady over the past two decades, with a modest growth of about 1 percent from 2000 to 2022. Despite this, Maine continues to be a significant potato-producing state, with Aroostook County being a major contributor. Over 80 percent of the land dedicated to vegetable crops in Maine is allocated for potato cultivation, highlighting the crop's importance to the state's agricultural sector.
The development of the Caribou Russet is the result of extensive efforts by the University of Maine's potato breeding program. Leading the program for decades, Greg Porter highlighted the challenges and time-consuming nature of developing a new potato variety, which involves years of testing and collaboration. The program annually tests over 250 varieties, emphasizing the rigorous process required to bring a new potato to market.
While the Caribou Russet is seeing strong demand within Maine, its popularity varies outside the state. The variety faces competition from other russets in the broader market, and some concerns have been raised regarding its storage capabilities compared to older varieties. However, the agricultural community remains optimistic about the Caribou Russet's potential to contribute to Maine's potato industry.
Source: The Maine Monitor