THUNDER BAY – Health-conscious food lovers now have more choice in the produce aisles, with the arrival of the Carisma potato from EarthFresh Farms. New to Canada and Ontario-grown, Carisma has been found to have a lower glycemic response (GR),* meaning it does not cause the rapid spike in blood sugar that normally comes from eating carbohydrate-rich foods.
Farmed from traditional seed and without the use of biotechnology, this non-GMO potato is a desirable choice for those seeking to control blood sugar levels, including people with (or at risk of) diabetes, athletes and those looking to lose or control body weight.
“Glycemic response is reflective of the quality and quantity of carbohydrate in a food, which plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels,” says Jane Dummer, registered dietitian and author. “In addition to regular exercise and portion control, I recommend choosing foods that provide a lower glycemic response as part of an overall healthy dietary pattern. With the Carisma potato, now available in Canada, anyone watching their carbohydrate intake, including those living with diabetes, can have their potatoes and eat them too.”
As consumer trends move toward a more balanced approach to nutrition and diet, Canadians are still set against a backdrop of towering obesity and type 2 diabetes rates across the country. Choosing foods that elicit a lower glycemic response, as part of an overall healthy dietary pattern, is an important piece of the healthy living equation.
“Potatoes are highly nutritious as they offer valuable carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals with minimal fat, and are naturally gluten-free,” adds Dummer. “One medium (150 gram) Carisma potato is only 70 calories with 20 per cent daily value (DV) of vitamin C – good for immune, skin and hair health. It’s also a good source of potassium with 15 grams of carbohydrate, three grams of fibre and three grams of protein.”
For years now, the award-winning Carisma potatoes have been grown and consumed in both Australia and the Netherlands and have quickly gained popularity among both the health-conscious set and foodies alike.
“As a Canadian company specializing in premium produce, we’re focused on growing and distributing healthy and delicious products,” says Tom Hughes, president, EarthFresh Farms. “The health benefits of Carisma make it one of the biggest innovations to hit the produce world in many years and it’s so amazing that we can grow and harvest these potatoes right here in Ontario.”
For food lovers and cooking enthusiasts, the addition of new potato varieties in grocery stores mimics the explosion of mushroom varietals, seen over the past five years. The unique texture and flavour of Carisma, coupled with its strong health benefits, make it an ideal ingredient for those seeking to explore new recipes featuring potatoes.
The Carisma is a flavourful, versatile potato with an exceptionally creamy, unique melt-in-the-mouth texture and can be eaten boiled, mashed or baked. Its great taste and smooth texture are ideal for appetizers, soups, cold salads, warm sides and even baked fries and chips, making it an easy addition to a healthy, well-balanced diet. Visit earthfreshfoods.com for recipe ideas.
Carisma potatoes are currently grown and sold only in Ontario and available in limited quantities. They can be purchased at Sobeys, Longo’s, Metro and Whole Foods stores. They are packaged in 5lb poly bags and retail for approximately $6.99 per bag.
