POTATO CONTAINS HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN

Potato is a very good source of high quality protein. Average protein content of potato is 2% on fresh weight basis and about 10% on a dry weight basis. The total nitrogen of potato tubers can be divided into soluble protein, insoluble protein and soluble non-protein nitrogen. The insoluble protein fraction is mainly present in the peel. Soluble potato protein contains substantial levels of the essential amino acids. Free amino acids present in potatoes are totally available for absorption. Potato protein has an adequate ratio of total essential amino acids to total amino acids and a balance among individual essential amino acid concentrations to meet the needs of infants and small children. However, the digestibility of potato protein is relatively low in infants. The crude protein content in potato is higher than other major root and tuber crops like sweet potato, yam and cassava. Potato protein has a very high biological value because all essential amino acids are present in good proportion in it. It is much higher than major cereals and higher than even proteins of animal origin like milk and beef. With its high lysine content, potato can supplement diets which are limiting in lysine. Potato has a clear advantage over cereals in India because of its ability to provide high quality protein. 

Protein content of raw potato and other plant foods (g/ 100g edible portion) left	Lysine content (g/ 100g Protein) of potato is higher than major cereal crops

;