International Kidney Seed Potatoes – The Variety Behind the Jersey Royal
International Kidney is a heritage first early, grown in Britain since the 1870s and known the world over under another name: when this variety is grown in the shallow, seaweed-fed soils of Jersey it is sold as the Jersey Royal. Grown at home it produces long, kidney-shaped tubers with pale skin and firm, cream, waxy flesh that holds its shape beautifully in the pan. Lifted early the flavour is at its finest; left in the ground a few weeks longer the tubers grow on and the texture turns floury.
Key Features:
- Heritage First Early: A long-established variety, ready to lift from around 10-12 weeks after planting.
- Waxy Cream Flesh: Firm, close-textured flesh that holds together when boiled or steamed.
- Distinctive Shape: Long, kidney-shaped tubers with pale skin and shallow eyes.
- Renowned Flavour: The variety behind the Jersey Royal, prized for its rich, buttery taste.
Planting and Growing:
- Planting Time: Plant between March and April once the soil has begun to warm.
- Sowing Depth: Plant 15cm deep, with 30cm between tubers and 60cm between rows.
- Growing Tips: Chit before planting to bring the crop forward. Earth up as the foliage grows to protect the tubers from frost and light.
Harvesting:
- Harvest Time: Lift from June through August, around 10-12 weeks after planting. Harvest early for small waxy new potatoes, or leave longer for larger, floury tubers.
Culinary Uses:
- Boiling: Holds its shape well and needs little more than butter and mint.
- Steaming: Retains its firm texture and delicate flavour when steamed whole.
- Salads: Excellent served warm or cold, the waxy flesh staying firm after cooking.
Why Choose International Kidney Seed Potatoes?
International Kidney is the choice for anyone who grows potatoes for flavour rather than bulk. It is the variety behind Britain’s most famous new potato, and grown at home in Scottish-raised seed it gives a crop worth waiting for. Best eaten fresh from the ground, simply cooked, while the tubers are still small.
