Studies on Physicochemical and Sensory Attributes of Potatoes Stored During Winter in High-Altitude Cold Desert, Ladakh, India

This study assessed the feasibility of providing a regular supply of locally produced potatoes during landlocked winter months in Ladakh region. Potato tubers were stored (January–May) in semi-underground stores where conditions were between 0.2–13.6 °C and 87–96% relative humidity. Periodical sample analysis was carried out on sensory attributes and the physicochemical attributes firmness, sprouting, pulp temperature, total soluble solutes, sugar level, vitamin B6, dry matter, weight loss and CIPC residue level, to evaluate the quality of the stored potatoes. Pearson’s correlation analysis measured the relationship between various physicochemical attributes that helped improve understanding of potato variability. CIPC residue concentration was within the recommended limit of 30 mg/kg tuber in peeled and unpeeled tubers ranging from 0.02 to 0.12 mg/kg and 0.04 to 3.90 mg/kg, respectively. Tubers stored during extreme winter conditions showed the highest level of total sugar 927 ± 8.54 mg/100 g after 5 months of storage. Vitamin B6 was 0.276 mg/100 g in CIPC treated potato and 0.190 mg/100 g in non-treated potato which is approximately 15% of recommended daily vitamin B6 intake. Based on the results of this study, potatoes stored in zero energy–based semi-underground stores were in good quality after a period of 5 months and suitable for consumption.