Description
this perennial plant, grown as an annual, includes an above-ground section measuring up to a metre in height, with oblong leaves. As with every tuber, the essential takes place underground. The potatoes are covered with a skin and have little "eyes" on the surface from which new buds emerge.

Harvest
There are two harvests: new potatoes, collected at the end of winter or early spring and mature potatoes, collected in the fall when the plant turns yellow after flowering

The potato kingdom can be divided into three general groups:

• the "common" potato
• the sweet potato, with dry yellowish flesh
• the yam, with juicy deeply-coloured flesh that can range from dark yellow to reddish orange

 

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A few varieties

BF15

• yellow skin, dark yellow flesh
• available from July to March
• excellent for frying, mashing, sautéing

Bintje

• white flesh, round
• available throughout the year
• hint of toasted almond flavour
• unsurpassed for French fries
• avoid for mashing (bland); steaming (mealy)

Idaho or Russet

• white flesh
• very long but plump
• unequalled as baking potatoes

Ratte

• A French heirloom with a delicate nutty taste - rather like chestnuts.
• Cook in their skins and eat either hot or cold - absolutely delicious.
• Uses: Salad

Roseval

• dark red skin, yellow pink-veined flesh
• slightly sweet taste
• available: September to April
• excellent for baking, steaming
• avoid using for mashing (gluey)