Tech turns potatoes into protein-rich 'rice'

Consumers select rice products made from potatoes. (ZHANG SHUNFU/FOR CHINA DAILY)

In a factory in Qiaojia county, Yunnan province, China's first production line for brown, protein-rich rice made from potatoes is running at full capacity to meet growing demand.

The "potato rice" is made using cutting-edge technologies such as polymer physical chemistry, with its core process relying on starch chain recombination technology. By precisely controlling temperature, humidity and enzymatic hydrolysis time, fresh potatoes are transformed into rice-shaped granules measuring 0.5 to 1 millimeter in diameter, according to Li Yulin, general manager of Qiaojia Hongbang Agricultural Development.

"Traditionally, increasing grain output has relied on expanding arable land and improving yields. However, potato rice technology converts potatoes, which were previously unsuitable as a staple food due to storage challenges, into long-lasting, convenient staple grains through advanced processing, creating a novel approach to food supply," he said.

Put into operation in November, the factory is expected to produce 1,000 metric tons of potato rice annually. The product went on sale nationwide in March.

Chen Jianlin, who recently paid about 30 yuan ($4.12) for a kilogram of potato rice on an e-commerce platform, said the texture is pleasantly chewy with a subtle potato aroma, though he detected a slightly gritty mouth-feel and traces of bitter buckwheat.

According to Ma Yongbo, the company's sales director, potato rice retains 90 percent of potato nutrients, has 27 percent more protein than traditional rice and causes a significantly lower post-meal glucose spike — about one-fifth that of ordinary rice.

In terms of cooking, potato rice has been precooked using high-temperature, high-pressure sterilization, requiring no rinsing or soaking. It can be prepared in a rice cooker with significantly less water and a shorter cooking time compared to white rice, Ma said.

"Potato rice meets the demand for healthy and convenient food among modern consumers. It primarily targets middle-aged and senior people, diabetics and health-conscious individuals," he said.

Potato rice is priced at 16.5 yuan per 500 grams, compared to as little as 2 to 3 yuan for ordinary rice. Li explained that producing 1 ton of potato rice requires 2.5 tons of fresh potatoes, putting the raw material cost at about 12 yuan per 500 grams.

Future research and development will focus on optimizing processing techniques to reduce costs and make the taste more similar to ordinary rice, Li said.

"The potato rice-making technology can be promoted in other parts of China and in developing countries to improve global food security," he said. "We are also exploring the possibility of applying this process to other coarse cereals such as sweet potatoes, which are also rich in starch."

China is the world's largest potato producer. However, potatoes have a high water content and are perishable, requiring traditional storage methods involving ventilation, constant temperature and controlled humidity. Without proper storage, they spoil easily, leading to significant waste. Processing them into potato rice addresses these challenges, Li said.

China has positioned potatoes as the country's fourth major staple crop after rice, wheat and corn.

Guo Huachun, a professor at Yunnan Agricultural University, said developing potato-based staple foods such as steamed buns, noodles and rice aligns with Chinese dietary habits.

"Potato rice supports the national strategy, eases pressure on arable land and enhances food security," Guo said, adding that policy support is needed to reduce costs, optimize profit distribution along the supply chain and ensure farmers benefit beyond low-end profits.