Love potatoes!

There are literally thousands of different varieties of potatoes grown around the world. In the UK around 80 varieties are grown commercially. At Q Gardens we currently stock three varieties, all of which are locally grown in Oxfordshire.

Potatoes are seasonal and are usually harvested, depending on the variety and where in the country they are grown, from May to October.  Potatoes are often categorised according to their season. They could be ‘earlies’ or ‘new potatoes’ as they are planted in the winter, ready for harvesting in the spring or early summer.

The majority of potatoes sold in the UK are maincrop potatoes; they are usually available from September to May.

We currently have Saxon, Wilja and Mozart

Saxon:  a firm fleshed potato with a white skin, a really good all-rounder; mash, chip, boil, bake or roast!  Mid-way between waxy and floury.

  Wilja: another all-rounder, yellowish skin, a "robust earthy flavour, and a slightly        rough skin".  

Mozart: a red-skinned potato, especially good for mashing, baking and roasting.  

What’s the difference between Waxy and Floury Potatoes?
The texture and flavour of potatoes varies considerably. A potato may be described as having a waxy or floury texture and there is a scale of 1 – 10 on which varieties are placed. Where potatoes sit on the scale will depend on the amount of dry matter in the potato. For example a floury potato will have a much higher dry matter than a waxy potato.

Waxy potatoes are translucent and feel moist and pasty. They are good at staying firm and keeping their shape so make great salad potatoes.

Floury potatoes are brighter and more granular in appearance with a drier feel. They're better for dishes where you want fluffy potatoes or for mash.

How to store potatoes

Just like us, potatoes can bruise, so be gentle when transporting and handling

Make sure your potatoes can breathe. When you get home from the shops, take them out of their packaging, give them a good rinse under the tap and then store them in a cool cupboard to make them last longer

Potatoes don't like the light. Keep them in a dark place or they might turn green. If you do find green areas just cut them out before cooking as they will taste bitter.

Don't store your potatoes in the fridge - it's too chilly!

Try to store potatoes away from strong smelling foods - they have a habit of absorbing strong smells like onion or garlic         What's happening on the farm?