23 December 2024

The story behind your Christmas potatoes

Most of the potatoes on Irish tables this Christmas will come from local farms, showcasing the country’s rich agricultural heritage. Shay Phelan explores potato cultivation, popular Christmas varieties, and the thriving local market for this festive staple.

Counties such as Meath, Dublin, Louth, Donegal, Cork, and Wexford account for most of the potatoes grown in the country. Ireland produces a wide variety of potatoes, but some of the most popular for Christmas dinners include Rooster, Kerr’s Pink, and Maris Piper. These varieties are favoured for their texture and flavour, which lend themselves perfectly to roasting, mashing, or boiling.

Growing potatoes is a precise and expensive business, requiring careful planning and execution. The process begins in early spring with the selection and planting of seed potatoes. Market requirements, in terms of the particular variety that the consumer wants, dictate which varieties are planted.

Irish weather, characterised by its temperate climate and abundant rainfall, is generally well-suited to potato cultivation. However, this climate brings with it challenges like late blight – a fungal disease that caused the infamous Great Famine of the 1840s. Each year, much of the resources used in growing potatoes goes into preventing late blight from taking hold in the crop. Growers will typically use multiple applications of fungicides to prevent the disease. While some varieties are less sensitive to blight, they are generally not accepted by the market. Harvesting typically takes place in early autumn. The crops are then stored in refrigerated stores until they are needed at Christmas or in the New Year. These stores can keep potatoes for up to 12 months, ensuring a year-round supply.

Varieties to look out for

There are many varieties suited to different culinary purposes. Rooster potatoes, with their red skin and yellow flesh, were bred in Teagasc Oak Park and are Ireland’s most popular variety, accounting for about 60% of all potatoes consumed. They are perfect for roasting or mashing. Kerr’s Pink, known for its floury texture, is traditionally used for mashed potatoes. Maris Piper, a versatile variety, is ideal for making crispy roast potatoes. For those looking to experiment, other varieties like Golden Wonder or Charlotte offer unique flavours and textures.

The potato market in Ireland

Typically, around 300,000 to 350,000 tonnes of potatoes are grown every year. Most of these are sold through the main retailers; however, there is some processing in Ireland for crisps and fresh chips, although this sector is still relatively small compared to the overall area. Approximately 80,000 tonnes are imported for fresh chips used in fast food outlets. In recent years, Teagasc, the IFA, Bord Bia, and DAFM have run a project to upskill growers in producing varieties for the fresh chip market.

The Irish potato market remains robust, with potatoes ranking among the top five products purchased by shoppers in supermarkets, making them Ireland’s most popular vegetable. Farmers’ markets and local shops often showcase specialty potatoes, offering consumers a chance to connect directly with producers. At Christmas, demand peaks as households stock up on this essential ingredient, ensuring its place at the centre of the festive meal.

Also Read: The story behind your Christmas ham
The story behind your Christmas Brussels Sprouts