Topic: Best variety of potatoes for roasting

[1066]

Hi
well the title says it all really! What spuds would you recommend for roasties? I was thinking of trying some new varieties this year and was thinking of growing a maincrop for roasties

thanks

1066  :)

[telboy]

Can't go wrong with Desiree. That's if you don't suffer the dreaded blight!

[muddylou]

I've got some Kestrel roasting as I type, they crisp up so well, that it's a struggle to cut through them.

[asj]

Definitely red Desiree, cooked a la Delia ;D.

[sawfish]

Shetland Black or Red Duke of York. Old fashioned, thick skinned, nutty and very tasty.

[Flighty]

Desiree and/or Kestrel, which is why I grow both!  :)

[realfood]

Any floury potato will be good.

[cornykev]

Kestrel.     ;D ;D ;D

[Trevor_D]

Yes, floury potatoes - but is Desiree really floury? I don't think so. They're very tasty, and I've grown them most years since they were first introduced. But - in my 'umble opinion - better for mash, where they don't collapse in the pan, or chips (although the thought police don't allow me to eat those much now) or pan-fried in butter (b****r the thought police!).

For roast: King Edwards are the best - but they don't like my soil! I've now settled on Picasso, but agree about Kestrel. Anyone mention Cara? All of those make good jackets, too.

[Lottiman]

Kestrel for me too.

[Duke Ellington]

I love desiree for roasting but I didn't like them as chips.

Duke

[KittyKatt]

Golden Wonder for me, pr boiled for 8-10 minutes, fluffed up in the saucepan and then roasted in lard.

KittyKatt

[chriscross1966]

I'm gonna get hung here but Pink Fir Apple.... Boil decently sized ones whole for about 8 minutes, cut in half and roast until done, 50/50 veg oil and butter (I'm a veggie)..... absolutely gorgeous.... though I like King Edwards too but the yield was dreadful on the soil on my old plot last year.... will try on the new plot next year hopefully....

chrisc

[1066]

So Desiree and Kestral are the popular choice!

Chriscross, I know what you mean about PFA's, fancied something else as well  :)

Sawfish - I've grown Red Duke of York as earlies this year (based on recommendations from A4A  ;D ), and they were fabulous. I guess I was looking for a maincrop, so I'll take a look at the Shetland Black, I wonder if they would like some seaweed ?

And Trevor - curse those thought police thoroughly !!

Thanks for the replies  :)

[plot51A]

My vote is for Arran Victory - absolutely gorgeous roasties, crisp outside, white floury insides, can't beat 'em.

[sawfish]

I just leave earlies in longer and 'voila'... maincrop.

[earlypea]

I just leave earlies in longer and 'voila'... maincrop.

Me too, but I find the yields are generally lower than with later ones so not enough for storing.  Don't you?

[Digeroo]

Tried the Shetland Black good taste, potatoes do not look very appetising but looks can be deceiving.

I am another Desiree fan, I part cook ny roasties in the microwave.

[Sinbad7]

I think there's quite a few varieties now that make good roasties but if I buy from the supermarket I tend to stick with Maris Piper.

Simbad

[1066]

thanks for that Sawfish

Hmmm, more votes for Desiree ......