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UPDATE: Idaho Potato Quality Expectations

January 10, 2020

The effects of Idaho’s freeze event in early October are beginning to be realized, causing delays in packing and eventually loading trucks. Due to limited supplies, the 6- and 10-ounce No. 2 cartons will be packed at a slightly lower quality than normal Markon Essentials (ESS) Potatoes. ESS Potatoes will still meet the US No. 2 grade specifications, but will be slightly below ESS specifications in order to increase overall supplies.

Allowable Defects on No. 2 Grade Potatoes:

  • A total of 12% defects are allowed in No. 2 grade supplies, but not more than 10% can be permanent defects
    • A permanent defect is one which will not continue to become/grow larger, including growth cracking, side knobs/growths, hollow heart, air check, and cut ends
    • 8% total are allowed for external defects, including not more than 6% for permanent external defects
    • 8% total are allowed for internal defects, including not more than 6% for permanent internal defects
    • Not more than a total of 2% for frozen or soft rot/wet breakdown

External Defects:

  • External defects are those that are limited to the outside of the potato
    • Air checks
    • End cuts
    • Freezing injury
    • Growth cracks
    • Side cuts
    • Surface cracks

Internal Defects:

  • Internal defects are those that are on the inside of the potato and cannot be detected without cutting
    • Hollow heart
    • Internal black spots
    • Net necrosis

The below pictures show the potential defects potatoes may have in No. 2 grade packs.

Idaho Potato Quality Expectations 1-10-2020.PNG

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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