Climate change can take away chips and French fries from mankind

Climate change can take away chips and French fries from mankind
Katerina Belousova

Scientists and farmers are working on creating resistant hybrid varieties of potatoes

Global warming is making it difficult to grow the Russet Burbank potato, which is used to make chips and French fries, particularly at the McDonald's restaurant chain.

Higher temperatures affect the starch content, and therefore the taste, reports the Daily Mail.

The article explained that due to the increase in temperature, the starch in the potato turns into other sugars and is distributed unevenly throughout the tuber. It also results in dark spots on chips and fries.

It is noted that in the US state of Idaho, which is the leader in the production of potatoes, the fields are suffering from drought. After all, less snow falls in the mountains, which also melts faster.

The authors emphasized that scientists and farmers are working on creating hybrid potato varieties that are more resistant to climate change. In 2016, McDonald's had to use Blazer Russet and Clearwater Russet hybrids, although the gold standard remains the Russet Burbank variety.

As EcoPolitic previously reported, climate change may affect the taste of wine, which will become stronger, sweeter and spicier, and will have fewer additional floral aromas.

Related
Nuclear power plant shutdowns, deadly forest fires, the deaths of over 10,000 people: the heatwave is terrorising Europe
Nuclear power plant shutdowns, deadly forest fires, the deaths of over 10,000 people: the heatwave is terrorising Europe

In Spain, fires have claimed the lives of 13 people, whilst in France, flames have engulfed the kings’ historic hunting grounds

Heatwaves exacerbate air pollution. How does this affect health?
Heatwaves exacerbate air pollution. How does this affect health?

Prolonged exposure to a combination of air pollution and heat can lead to chronic illnesses and even premature death

Poisonous plants of Ukraine: the dangers they pose and where they are found
Poisonous plants of Ukraine: the dangers they pose and where they are found

If you experience even the slightest symptoms, such as weakness or nausea, you should seek medical advice straight away

The relaxation of the EU ETS, demands from industry, and forest fires: a round-up of EU economic news
The relaxation of the EU ETS, demands from industry, and forest fires: a round-up of EU economic news

The heatwave is already forcing investors to rethink their approach to risk management, yet the industry still wants to pay less for emissions