Black Shetland Potatoes
January 9, 2022
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Potatoes were introduced to the Shetland Islands as far back as 1588, when they were believed to have been salvaged from a Spanish Armada shipwreck.
My growing notes
Shetland Black Potatoes have a distinctive dark purple colour and are kidney shaped. The tubers are smaller than modern potato varieties and slightly erratic in shape often being oval with one end being more bulbous than the other.
When cut open, the tuber flesh is a pale creamy yellow colour with a ring of purple. The purple is more pronounced in some tubers than others. The colour does not survive the cooking process with the purple in both the ring and the skin becoming a dull grey-brown. The Shetland Black has a sweet buttery flavour. It possesses a light, floury texture and is best cooked in its skin.
Growth
I’ve yet to plant them out, due to arrive early 2022. I decided to plant these after travelling around the Isle of Skye.
Other plant names
Spud, totty
and
Black Shetland
Potato
Why am I forgotten?
Unlike commercial varieties, Shetland Black potatoes and many other heritage varieties, are not as high yielding. This, coupled with the fact that today’s consumer prefers a white fleshed potato with very few blemishes, has led to fewer crofters growing this traditional variety. The potato is only available in small quantities from stocks grown on the Islands.
Growing Guide
A second-early variety, you can expect lots of tubers from June.
A secFIve tubers per grow sack.
Plant out in march – May
Harvest Guide
May – August
Little Details
Purple-skinned long oval tuber variety with a floury-textured white flesh offering a sweet, buttery flavour. Unique dark purple ring around inside edge of flesh make it an attractive heritage variety.
Disease resistant
Edible Uses
“Long and oval in shape, this heritage variety is deceptively named – the flesh is yellow, with a deep blue ring. Very tasty and fluffy, they fry well and make creative sautéed potatoes, crisps and chips. It’s best to cook them with the skin on to keep the blue coloured ring.”
from www.lovepotatoes.co.uk