We harvested the first of our potatoes this week here at Struan Farm. Rather than digging everything up at once I'm taking an incremental approach this year and digging a few at a time. Especially since the plants have just started to die down.
First spuds off the rank are an early variety called "Rocket," and "Kowiniwini," a wonderful Maori potato with dark purple and white skin. Maori "taewa" are quite special. The flavour of this one is quite fresh and not flour-y at all. I boil them until tender then lightly crush and serve with a bit of butter.
John and I really don't eat that many potatoes, although I've been reading that people who live in "Blue Zones," areas of exceptional longevity around the world, do. So maybe we'll revisit having more potatoes in our diet, particularly with a bumper crop about to happen. Given the response to the potatoes contributed to the Piopio Community Fruit & Veg Stand last year (basically they flew off the shelves), I went a bit overboard planting different varieties this year. I've got four types in the backyard and two down at the back gate near the Homestead. Plus some have sprouted at the back gate from last year's left overs.
Hooray, Piopio is heading toward Blue Zone status!
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