The new Vivaldi potato contains up to 38% less carbohydrates and half the calories of ordinary potatoes, according to an Israel21c report.
The Vivaldi potato is now being grown by 13 western Negev kibbutzim and is particularly suited to the Negev’s climate due to the area’s two annual potato seasons.
"Our advantage is that it is never too cold for potatoes," Shimon Warshavsky, potato quality specialist at the region's research and development department told Israel21c. "We can grow two crops here. Some people are willing to pay higher prices for new potatoes all through the year."
The Hevel Maon region of the western Negev now grows 150,000 tons of potatoes; 40% of the crop is exported to Western Europe and Russia.
The Vivaldi potato is particular hit in Britain, where it was originally developed and has been marketed as the "slimming potato" and the "dieter's dream."
Warshavsky says the Vivaldi potato is also quite tasty, having won a blind testing series that he carried out.