Minerva is an early-maturing table potato variety with a maturation period of about 40-50 days, allowing the first harvest to be obtained as early as 35 days after planting. Tubers are large, weighing from 120 to 245 grams, with yellow skin and white flesh. The variety is characterized by high yield, reaching up to 430 centners per hectare, and storability of about 94%, ensuring good product preservation during storage. Minerva is suitable for cultivation in southern regions where two harvests per season are possible.
Minerva potato exhibits resistance to most common diseases, including potato viruses, late blight, golden nematode, and common scab. However, the variety poorly tolerates drought and is susceptible to blackleg and root rot. It also has moderate resistance to mechanical damage and late blight of foliage and tubers, requiring careful care and plant protection.
In terms of taste, Minerva has good to medium flavor, flesh does not darken after boiling and slightly softens, corresponding to culinary type AB. This makes the variety versatile for various cooking methods: it is excellent for salads, soups, frying, and boiling, including when young. High content of protein, microelements, and starch (14.7-17.6%) makes this potato nutritious and beneficial.
