Topic: Spud Q: how does Anya compare with PFA taste-wise?

[triffid]

Looking to expand the number of spud varieties we grow next year and was wondering about Anya.

I know Pink Fir Apple is one of Anya's parents -- but does Anya live up to PFA in terms of flavour?

[Deb P]

Not as 'nutty' IMHO as PFA, superb oven made chips, Yum!!

Grew some Anya in polybags this year, will certainly be growing at the lottie next year.

[triffid]

Sounds promising, Deb... thanks!

[KMARKSnr]

Hi triffid,all,
         If you like chips,and require blight resistance,try "Lady Balfour"- superb,and a very large harvest too  ;D

                   Regards,
                            Mark

[saddad]

I'm with DebP on this one. I used to grow Pink Fir, which are excellent but being Late Mains sometimes the blight and sometimes the frost would seriouly affect the yeild. Anya is a Pink FirXDesiree cross. As an Early main you can have them out by the start of August thus avoiding Blight/Frost/ most slug damage... but they are not quite as nice! Had I never had PFA I would rate them as excellent...
 :'(

[tim]

Depends upon what you want? Anya won't last through until February??

No argument, Senior, but Lady Balfour - 2 years - blight both years, despite spraying!!

[triffid]

Thanks everyone for all that info!

Will order Anya then, as it definitely sounds worth trying, but in addition to (rather than instead of) PFA.   

[philcooper]

.....does Anya live up to PFA in terms of flavour?

Triffid,

Taste is:

very subjective
dependant on:
      soil
      climate
      time of planting

etc

What can be said about the 2 is that (under normal growing condtions)
Anya is not as knobbly as PFA (although there are some fairly knobble-free "strains of PFA around)
PFA is waxier
Anya gives a better yield
Anya is less disease prone
Anya doesn't "wander" quite so much
Anya is earlier

Phil

[Hector]

can I ask (hope this isn't hyjacking) ...does Anya get as tall a top growth as PFA?
Thanks
Jackie

[daileg]

well im a fan of Anya i plant them 6 inch deep earth up at least three times and get a bumper crop everytime make the best choice as seconds after my special lady christelle

[saddad]

No Jackie, Anya is a much more modern "controlled" top growth. Three foot is exceptionally good in my lottie 2' far more normal. :)

[Hector]

Thanks Saddad :)

[Barnowl]

PFA have the taste advantage

Our Anya kept until Christmas.