Tech turns potatoes into protein-rich 'rice'

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.