A low GI potato
Posted by kathryn in Vegetables and Nutrition
News from the GI group at Sydney University: they’ve found a low GI potato . . . and it’s the Nicola.
Nicolas are not a new variety of potato – they’re one of my favourites and I’ve been using them for years. They’re a lovely, waxy potato that holds it’s shape and doesn’t go mushy when cooked, making Nicolas perfect for curries, stews and potato salads.
While most potatoes have a high GI rating of between 75 and 101, Nicolas have a low GI of just 58.
If you’re trying to control your blood glucose levels; have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, Syndrome X or PCOS; or are simply trying to lose some weight, then make the switch to Nicolas. For information on how to do this see How a simple knowledge of the GI can improve your energy levels.
Photo: gisarah under the terms of a Creative Commons License
07 April, 2007
Comments
Thanks for your site. The only place I can find Nicola potatoes in Melbourne is at Safeway (that’s Woolworths) sometimes, currently at $6 per small bag. Most greengrocers look cross-eyed at me and say “Never heard of Nicola – interesting because I have diabetes”. Coles ignorance is just as bad – their expertise extends to big/small, red/white and washed/unwashed – never a variety name.
Are the potato industry and retailers ever going to wake up to the big market segment that would eat potatoes if they were packaged with diabetes-friendly information? To some extent, rice has the same problem, although it’s easy to find basmati.
If government cared about the cost of diabetes care and obesity, GI testing and labelling on foods would be compulsory to assist at the prevention/early treatment stage.
I totally agree Liz, ditto.
Most greengrocers look at you cross-eyed? Almost every Melbourne greengrocer would know a Nicola amongst dozens of other varieties.
Elvis Parsley & Grapesland in Ocean Grove, VIC stock an organic Nicola for most of the year. Also try Toscano’s in Kew, Casey’s in David Jones Food Hall…….too many to list.
A Nicola is very closely related to the Dutch Cream variety. I was wondering if the Dutch Cream also had a low GI, and also wondering if there was list of GI values for all varieties?
I found this table on a grower’s website….doesn’t cover many varieties unfortunately. Desiree should be avoided by diabetics based on this:
Variety
GI
Nicola 58
Pontiac 80
Sebago 87
Desiree 101
Hi there Chris – as you’ve found out, most potatoes are high GI. Which makes the Nicolas extra special! The Sydney University glycemic group have an excellent website which includes a searchable database of foods – it’s here. They’ve tested a few different varieties – Nicolas still come out as one of the best.
Have found Nicola at Woolworths Westfield ,Hornsby, Sydney
Looking for the Nicola potato in Melbourne. Does anyone know where I can get them?
Thanks Liz. It pays to read ALL the blog comments! My question is answered in the first one! Sorry.
Glenda – a good fruit and veg store should also stock Nicolas. Remember that not all potatoes are in season all year round. Again a good fruit and veg store should be able to tell you when Nicolas come into season.
Rhubarb Organics Stall at Preston Market (Wed-Sat) in Melbourne almost always has Nicola potatoes & Dutch Cream. Any more news on Dutch Creams or ‘baby potatoes’?
I live in the outer eastern suburbs of Melb and have only seen the Nicola at Woolworths/Safeway.
Nicolas grow really well here in Vic. I put in acrop and got heaps. It’s a lot easier than growing other carbs like rice or wheat!
Liz and Glenda,
Nicola potatoes are regularly available at one of the main organic grocers at the Queeen Victoria Market – and for a really good price. This outlet has a number of potato varieties.
If you can’t find in your local area, I just order Nicola potatoes through my organic delivery service (Miss Organic http://www.missorganic.com.au) – they give a really good prices for Nicola’s!
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