Caribou Russet now on market
BANGOR, Maine — U.S. Senator Susan Collins attended the Maine Harvest Festival in Bangor on Saturday, Nov. 19, where she congratulated the Maine Potato Board and University of Maine researchers on the release of the highly anticipated Caribou Russet potato.
The Caribou Russet was first announced last spring. Since then, commercial seed has been developed, planted and harvested. The festival marked the new variety’s market debut as the first crop was made widely available to consumers.
“Maine’s potato industry is essential to our economy and is responsible for the creation or support of approximately 5,000 jobs, with an annual economic impact of more than $540 million,” Collins said. “As a native of Aroostook County, I was fortunate to have grown up amid the values of hard work, determination, innovation, and common sense that mark the potato industry and those who work in it.
“Today’s release of the Caribou Russet is the result of the productive partnership between the Maine Potato Board and the University of Maine. I commend Dr. Greg Porter, his UMaine research team, and the Board on their successful collaboration.”
“It’s always exciting when we can introduce something new to the market,” said Don Flannery, MPB executive director. “This is particularly exciting because it is a really unique russet. We’re calling it the potato lover’s potato because it has a nice, rich flavor and is perfect for baking, mashing, or grilling.”
The Caribou Russet, which was developed by the University of Maine, is a dual-purpose, russet-skinned variety potato with high yields, midseason maturity, and moderate common scab resistance. In addition to fresh-market consumption, the new variety is expected to be useful for processing markets.
Following the Maine Harvest Festival, the Caribou Russet will be available in select stores in Maine. As the supply is increased, the potato will be made available in more locations.
“We think that people will really enjoy what they taste,” Flannery said, adding the board had looked forward to putting the new spuds in consumer’s hands during the weekend festival. “Sen. Collins is very supportive of our industry, and shares in our excitement about the Caribou Russet.”
The sixth annual Maine Harvest Festival is presented by the MPB. The event drew more than 150 vendors.
For more information on the Maine Potato Board, visit www.mainepotatoes.com.
