Analyses of the Differences in Nutritional Quality and Volatile Aroma Compounds in Potato-Based Reconstituted Rice Produced from Different Potato Varieties

Potato-based reconstituted rice represents an innovative staple food solution that addresses nutritional and economic challenges. Using fresh potatoes instead of potato flour eliminates nutrient loss and reduces energy costs associated with traditional processing methods. This study examined reconstituted rice produced from the yellow-fleshed 'Dianshu 1428' and purple-fleshed 'Diancaishu 101' potato varieties, comparing their nutritional and aromatic profiles with commercial rice-based alternatives. The results demonstrated significant nutritional advantages: potato-based reconstituted rice contains 3 g/100 g dietary fiber, a five-fold higher potassium content, and 11-12 times more iron than conventional rice-based reconstituted rice. Unique aroma compounds, including methional, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, α-ionone, and (E,E)-2,6-nonadienal, impart distinctive potato, nutty, fruity, and fatty flavors. Yellow-fleshed varieties contributed 14.1 μg/100 g carotenoids, while purple-fleshed varieties provided 45 mg/100 g anthocyanins. These findings establish that potato-based reconstituted rice offers a superior nutritional composition and unique sensory characteristics compared to traditional alternatives, providing scientific guidance for the selection of the potato variety and product optimization in developing nutritionally enhanced potato staple foods with specific functional and sensory attributes.