One of the most pleasurable job for anyone that grows their own produce has to be the harvesting, whether it be picking soft fruits or plucking off beans and tomatoes. However there are two types of produce that we grow that are very special from a harvesting perspective - those that hide in the ground - these of course are artichokes and potatoes. Last November we were treated to some beautiful Jerusalem artichokes, with tubers in abundance. 
However now this year, we are very excited that it is time for the potatoes. Back in May we planted both Jersey Royals and Pink Fir Apples - Jersey Royals a well known new potato which have a texture which is firm and waxy with a nutty, sweet, earthy flavour, compared to the Pink Fir Apples which are one of the oldest maincrop varieties still in use today, loved for its buttery waxy texture and nutty 'new potato' flavour.
No one can deny that it has not been a normal year, for us this was both in the form of the pandemic, but also herbicide contamination, which meant for a number of weeks we were searching for clarity and seeking the most appropriate, relevant and achievable direction. As a result, unfortunately we were late with some of our planting dates, and the spuds were no exception. We knew this was the case, but at the time we felt it was worth the risk, and as we begin the reap the rewards of our efforts - we are finding that it was. Although 35% have turned out a little unusual the remainder are stunning.
Unfortunately in addition to a late planting date, due to the damp weather the haulm of both varieties have got blight. Blight is a disease caused by a fungus-like organism that spreads rapidly in the foliage and tubers or fruit of potatoes in wet weather, causing collapse and decay. It is a serious disease for potatoes which quickly spreads to the tubers. But all that said, as we start to dig up our hidden treasures we have been both pleased and surprised at the results. Unfortunately although the Jersey Royals have been affected by the bizarre year and are certainly not new potatoes good enough for sale, they are however a lovely large floury potato that have turned out to be beautiful for roasting, mash and chips. Their floury nature means that they produce the best crispy chips and roasted spuds that we have ever tasted.
However the Pink Fir Apples, they are a completely different story, and an amazing success, they are absolutely superb, we have caught the blight well in time, removed all the haulms and are now in full harvest mode.
They are certainly an odd looking potato, long and 'knobbly', but they are the most exquisite tasting waxy spud you will every try.
You can't be put you off by their appearance, as they are delicious boiled in their skin, which you can peel off or eat, lovely hot or cold, boiled or roasted. The plants harvested were all very productive and each 12m row has been producing at least 25kg of crop, with more expected in the rows in the second half of the planting areas.
Already popular with our village customers, together with the Old Tannery Glastonbury, for the first time the Sheppey Inn are serving them as part of their Sunday roast, (and they are amazing roasted!) accompanied by our fine green beans and black cabbage - you certainly can't get more local - lovely.
