But did you know that the UK is one of the biggest potato-producing countries in the world? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the British potato market and some of the most popular varieties of potatoes grown in the UK.
The United Kingdom is one of the largest potato-producing countries in the world, with over 5.3 million tonnes of potatoes harvested each year. The majority of potatoes grown in the UK are used for processing, with around 60% being used to make potato products such as crisps, chips, and mashed potato. The rest of the potatoes are sold fresh to consumers either through supermarkets or farmers markets.
There are over 2000 varieties of potatoes grown around the world, but only a handful are commonly grown in the UK. Some of the most popular varieties of potatoes include Maris Piper, King Edward, Kerr’s Pink, Agria, Saggita and Golden Wonder.
Maris Piper potatoes are named after two different types of potatoes—the Maris Peer and the Piper Cub—that were cross-bred to create this variety. They’re versatile potatoes that can be boiled, roasted, or mashed, and they have a light yellow flesh with a thin, smooth skin.
King Edward potatoes were first cultivated in Scotland in 1902 and were named after King Edward VII. They’re oblong-shaped potatoes with light red skins and white flesh. They’re often used for roasting or pureeing as they have a slightly floury texture that helps them hold their shape when cooked.
Desiree potatoes are similar to Maris Piper potatoes in that they’re also versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes. However, they have a pinkish-red skin with light yellow flesh. They get their name from their origins—they were developed in Holland in 1949 from two different varieties of potato called De Warande and De Shadea desiree.—and they’re become increasingly popular in recent years due to their nutty flavour and creamy texture.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a delicious side dish to accompany your next meal, consider using one of Britain’s homegrown varieties of potatoes. From Maris Piper to Agria to Golden Wonder, there’s sure to be a type of potato that will suit your taste buds. And because they’re grown right here in the UK, you can be sure you’re supporting British farmers when you buy them!
