Kerrs Pink Seed Potatoes – Maincrop Variety with Floury Texture and Exceptional Storage
Kerrs Pink Seed Potatoes are a traditional favourite in both Scotland and Ireland, celebrated for their floury texture and subtle earthy sweetness. The tubers have a pale pink skin with slightly deeper pink eyes and a creamy white flesh that becomes fluffy and soft when cooked. This makes them ideal for dishes requiring a light, fluffy texture, such as mashed potatoes or roasting, where they achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior. The firm structure also makes them suitable for boiling and chipping, offering versatile options for your kitchen.
Key Features:
- Maincrop Variety: These potatoes are planted from March to April and are ready for harvest 15-22 weeks later, making them an excellent choice for autumn storage.
- Floury Texture: Known for a fine-grained, fluffy texture that holds up well in boiling, mashing, roasting, and even chipping.
- Long-Term Storage: The dry flesh ensures they store well, making them perfect for keeping over the winter months.
- Blight Resistance: Moderate resistance to blight means they are a reliable choice for home gardeners, particularly in cooler climates like the UK and Ireland.
Planting and Growing:
Kerrs Pink Seed Potatoes thrive in well-drained, loamy soil with plenty of organic material to retain moisture. Plant them 15 cm deep and space them 30 cm apart with rows about 70 cm apart for optimal growth. Regular earthing-up of the plants as they grow is crucial to protect the tubers from sunlight and improve the yield. These potatoes perform best when watered consistently, especially around the flowering stage when the tubers begin to form.
Harvesting and Use:
Once the foliage dies back, leave the potatoes in the ground for 2-3 weeks to allow their skins to harden, improving storage potential. Kerrs Pink potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways:
- Boiling: The floury texture remains firm when boiled, ideal for serving with butter.
- Mashing: They produce a soft, fluffy mash that’s perfect for hearty dishes.
- Roasting: Achieve a crisp, golden-brown exterior with a light and tender inside, making them a great accompaniment to Sunday roasts.
- Chipping: Their firm structure makes them excellent for homemade chips.
Why Choose Kerrs Pink Seed Potatoes?
With their rich history and excellent culinary qualities, Kerrs Pink Seed Potatoes continue to be a favourite for gardeners and chefs alike. Their floury texture, coupled with their ability to store for extended periods, makes them a go-to potato variety for those looking to enjoy homegrown produce well into the winter months.