Determining the Geographic Origin of Potatoes Using Mineral and Trace Element Content

To characterize potatoes according to their geographic origin and variety, 10 mineral and trace
elements (Mg, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, and Ba) were determined in Italian potato samples.
The data collected were successively elaborated using statistical techniques, namely, linear
discriminant analysis (LDA). LDA was able to classify and discriminate the potatoes from Fucino
both from those of other areas of Italy and from those of the four provinces of Abruzzo. A net separation
between the Fucino potatoes and those of the other areas of Abruzzo was observed. LDA discriminated
also the three potato varieties cultivated in the Fucino basin. The presence of these 10 mineral and
trace elements was a good means for establishing the geographical place of origin of Fucino potatoes.