December Veggie-in-the-Spotlight: Potatoes

Potatoes come in many shapes and sizes and are usually a standard item in a veg box. We discovered, from the The British Potato Council, that there are thousands of varieties of potato grown around the world, and around 80 varieties are grown here in the UK. Read on for more potato facts, and seven potato recipes, including our top tips for achieving classic roast potatoes, which we will be relying on for Christmas dinner.

In Season?

Potatoes are a seasonal crop, usually harvested in the UK between May to October. ‘Earlies’ or ‘new potatoes’ are potatoes that were planted in the winter and harvested in Spring or early Summer.

'Maincrop' potatoes are harvested in late Summer or early Autumn and as well as being sold immediately are stored for sale throughout the rest of the year. Most of the potatoes sold in the UK are 'maincrop' potatoes.

Buy?

Look for smooth hard potatoes and don't buy potatoes with sprouts or green patches if you can help it.

Store?

Store your potatoes somewhere cool (not the fridge) and dark in a cloth bag (not plastic).

Freeze?

Par boil for around 5 minutes, drain, cool and freeze. They should keep for about a month.

Cook?

Potatoes are brilliant boiled, baked, roasted, chipped, mashed, sauteed, in stews and curries and cold in salads.

Potato Recipes

Cheese and Potato Grill
Classic Roast Potatoes
Curly Kale and Potato Cakes
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Pink Mash
Spinach and Potato Pie
Vegetable Tagine

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