Potatoes have been around for thousands of years and find themselves in a plethora of food recipes. Most of us don’t think much of this vegetable in our day, yet the mighty potato is a remarkable root vegetable. Here’s why:
Potatoes can grow basically anywhere
The potato is a cool-climate crop that is typically grown in more northern regions of the world. However, they can also be grown as a winter crop in warmer climates. Potatoes can also be grown at high altitudes and are quite resistant to harsh growing conditions. They can withstand even light frosts. According to FAO (FAOSTAT, 2021), 376 million tons of potatoes are produced worldwide. The top ten producing countries are:
The top ten European potato producing countries are:

Out of a total of 195 countries, a staggering 160 countries produce potatoes, so quite a versatile crop that remains very local!
Potatoes are full of nutrients
Potatoes contain minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B6. They also contain antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acids.
Antioxidants have a scavenger function in the body. It helps protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced during normal cell metabolism. If not eliminated, they can build up in cells and damage other molecules. This can increase the risk of other diseases like cancer and diabetes or even heart disease. Potatoes also contain resistant starch.

This particular type of starch is not broken down or fully absorbed by the body. When resistant starch reaches the large intestine, it can become a food source for good bacteria. Resistant starch may have important health benefits, including reducing insulin resistance.
Potatoes are one of the world’s most sustainable foods
Studies have shown that potatoes produce fewer greenhouse gases and require less water than many other crops (Liu et al., 2021). On top of that, potatoes produce more food energy per meter3 Compared to many other crops (potatoes | land and water) potatoes also produce less waste. Up to 85% of the potato plant can be consumed.
Potato-maize: The perfect ingredient for a sustainable future
Although potato drinks aren’t new, they often taste too starchy. Thanks to the combination of potatoes and corn, two ancient crops, we have created an even better tasting option that combines the best of both worlds: legumes and grains. Potato-maize allows clean, clear and concise labelling. Products may be declared simply as potato and corn syrup or potato and corn extract.
Potato-corn has a dextrose equivalent of 45 and can be used in biscuits, bakery, dairy products (drinks, yogurt, desserts, …), plant-based products, plant-based beverages and more. Potato-corn can be used to provide a plethora of functions such as natural flavor, sweetness, bulking agent, crispiness, viscosity…just to name a few.

Murence Natural: Sustainable innovation at its core
Murence Naturals is a pioneer in the organic sector and has focused on producing clean label organic and natural grain extracts for over 30 years. With a unique and innovative production process, which is 100% in line with the organic philosophy, it consists of five essential steps: milling, hydrolysis, mechanical filtration (our filtration step is carried out completely mechanically, without the use of conventional methods, technical and chemical agents, and without demineralization ), evaporation, and packaging, we can offer our customers all natural and organic ingredients.

As a European specialist in cereal hydrolysis, Murens Natural can hydrolyze a wide variety of cereals using flour and not just starch like the conventional glucose industry. As part of a clean, simple and environmentally friendly production process, flour hydrolysis offers the following benefits:
- Chemical additives are not used as in conventional industries (eg H2SO4 – sulfuric acid, NaOH – sodium hydroxide, Na2CO3 – sodium carbonate, SO2 – sulfur dioxide)
- Any conventional processing methods such as demineralizing (purifying) sweetened juices or using ion exchange resins for fruit juices,
- Complete traceability from raw material to syrup,
- All the properties of processed cereals are preserved the most: taste, color and minerals. This allows for concise, clean and clear labelling.
Using a variety of sugar structures, dextrose equivalents (DE), sweetness, viscosity, color, flavor and raw materials, the Sipal® (organic) and Natu® (conventional) ranges can achieve multiple purposes for all preparations. Food processing sector. Our latest innovations include millet syrup, potato-corn syrup, organic and conventional rice and oat proteins.