Sensory quality and mineral and glycoalkaloid concentrations in organically and conventionally grown redskin potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)

Triangle tests were used to determine if panellists could distinguish (by tasting) cooked wedges of potatoes grown organically, either with (+) or without (-) compost, and conventionally. Mineral and glycoalkaloid analyses of tuber skin and flesh were also completed. When the skin remained on the potatoes, panellists detected differences between conventional potatoes and organic potatoes, regardless of soil treatment. However, they did not distinguish between organic treatments (+/- compost) when samples contained skin, or between any treatments if wedges were peeled prior to preparation and presentation. Glycoalkaloid levels tended to be higher in organic potatoes. In tuber skin and flesh, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur and copper concentrations were also significantly higher in the organic treatments, while iron and manganese concentrations were higher in the skin of conventionally grown potatoes.