This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
Potatoes are loved around the world, grown in over 150 countries and consumed in a multitude of ways. This vegetable “gold” has become the most consumed vegetable on the planet thanks to its many nutritional benefits and culinary versatility.
The potato (Solanum tuberosum) has managed to adapt to almost all climates, including those of Alaska, despite the acidity of the soils in some regions. It can tolerate a few hours of shade, especially in the afternoon, and is very resistant to rodents. A planting of one kilo of tubers can multiply by ten, demonstrating its high productivity. Rich in energy and minerals, the potato is a nutritional asset.
Popular varieties in cooking
Norland
Ideal for regions with short seasons, this variety produces new potatoes quickly, even in less favorable soils. The white flesh contrasts nicely with the red skin, providing a tasty and generous harvest year after year.
Amarosa
This small, wine-red potato is rich in antioxidants. Perfect for making pink chips, it offers impressive yields.
Huckleberry Gold
With its attractive color due to a natural pigment similar to that of blueberries, this recent variety has a low glycemic index and has a long shelf life.
Purple Viking
Known for its robustness, it resists difficult climatic conditions and produces large tubers.
German Butterball
This ancestral variety with yellow flesh offers a rich and buttery taste. It keeps all winter and is resistant to mildew.
Russian Blue
It is advisable to cook it in vinegar water to preserve its color. This variety is elegant with its young leaves and blue flowers, and it is suitable for dry soils.
The potato in a rosary
This climbing and invasive plant produces tubers three times more protein than the traditional potato. Easy to grow, it requires little maintenance and grows even in poor soils.
My thing
To prevent overgrowth while reducing the need for watering, grow string potatoes in pots, immersed in a water reservoir, which mimics the natural marshy conditions they enjoy.
Culture, instructions for use
Essential drainage
Sandy soil will make harvesting easier, while clay soil will require more intensive cleaning. Plant potatoes about 10cm deep and space them 30cm apart. Use organic potato pieces with two or three eyes, allow the wounds to dry out before planting to prevent rot.
Maintenance and harvesting
Do not water until the leaves appear. Use mulch to reduce watering and weeds. Cover the plants with 6 inches of organic matter once they are 12 inches tall to increase production. This technique also protects the tubers from light.
Companionship and rotations
Partner potatoes with plants such as marigolds, alliums and legumes. French marigolds help control nematodes. Watch for Colorado potato beetles and use a handheld vacuum to remove them.
Pot culture
To prevent disease and make earthing up easier, grow in a deep pot in new soil. Add soil as the plants grow.
Harvesting and conservation
Harvest new potatoes after less than two months. To store them, let them dry in the sun or in a ventilated place before storing them in jute or paper bags in the dark at around 5 °C.
With a little practice, you will have perfect potatoes to replant year after year!
This content was produced by the Special Publications Team of Dutyrelevant to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part in it.