Potatoes are important energy storage substances

Why do potatoes need respiration?

WHEN POTATO TUBERS are harvested, respiration becomes a crucial metabolic process that keeps potatoes alive throughout storage. Respiration involves the breakdown of complex substances like starches, sugars, and organic acids in tuber cells. As a result, simpler molecules are produced, along with energy and other compounds.

How much energy does a potato produce?

2.55 kcal of energy. The majority of this energy is released as heat, thus linking the respiration rate of potato tubers to the heat generated (Table 1). If the vital heat produced by potatoes in storage is not removed, the temperature rises. This can lead to higher respiration rates, which in turn increases heat production.

Are potatoes healthy?

In addition to supplying energy, potatoes contain a number of health promoting antioxidants such as phenolics, flavonoids, folates, anthocyanins, and carotenoids and biochemical such as starch content, dry matter, ascorbic acid, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and total sugar.

What happens if potatoes are stored at 4 °C?

There was an increase in rutin, p-coumaric acid and quercetin dehydrate contents after storage at 4 or 20 °C. When 4 °C stored potatoes were reconditioned for 10 days at 20 °C, there was a significant increase in total phenolic content, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, and quercetin dehydrate levels.

What are the biochemical properties of potato?

Potato contains several biochemical properties such as starch content, ascorbic acid, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, total sugars, phenolic content, flavonoids, polyamines, carotenoids, which are highly enviable in the diet because of their favorable effects on human health.

Are potatoes a good energy source?

Potatoes are an incredibly affordable crop to produce, making them an attractive option for anyone looking to reduce their energy bills or generate power on a budget. Compared to traditional sources of electricity, like fossil fuels or even solar panels, potatoes offer a tantalizingly low cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh).