New potatoes, also called early potatoesare potatoes harvested before their full maturity. They are planted in winter then picked up 90 days later. These are the first potatoes of the year. They arrive in the spring and are available on the stalls from April to July. Choose them well firm and without green trace if you buy it.
New potato varieties
Question variety, your choice can go to the ratte, the charlotte or even the bonnotte which is the most famous variety among Noirmoutier potatoes.
Moreover, did you know that new potatoes from the Ile de Ré are the only French potatoes to benefit from a PDO (protected designation of origin) alongside potatoes from the ” Béa du Roussillon” grown in the Pyrénées-Orientales. We therefore distinguish new potatoes by their 3 origins:
- Noirmoutier potatoes (5 different varieties including the most famous, the bonnotte)
- Potatoes from the Ile de Ré (AOP).
- Early potatoes from Roussillon (AOC).
Characteristics of new potatoes
Unlike other potatoes, say latenew potatoes are small caliber. In fact, potatoes harvested later in the year and intended for storage are of optimal size. They are picked when fully ripe. Their skin is fully formed, the tubers are ripe and the starch is well formed. While early potatoes have thin skin and are more fragile. They must be consumed quickly. They only converse 4 to 5 days maximum in the refrigerator compartment.
However, what we love about the new potato is its melting, soft and slightly sweet flesh which takes on a nutty taste when cooked.
In addition, new potatoes are very easy to cook. No need to peel them, their skin is so thin thatjust wash them well even brush them. They are then cooked whole whatever in the frying pan, in the oven or even steamed. This last method of cooking is faster than with other potatoes because of their small size. You can prepare them with garlicthyme or bay leaf. These aromatics make them look good.
The benefits of new potatoes
On the health side, new potatoes are a little lower in carbohydrates than the others. They are naturally low in calories, because they do not contain lipids. They contain proteins, fibres, mineral salts, some B vitamins and above all twice more vitamin C than other potatoes.
Read also :
- 15 superfoods to eat this spring
- 6 original and light recipes for spring papillotes
- 9 protein salads… without meat
