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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  :)

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

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

Definitely red Desiree, cooked a la Delia ;D.

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

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

Any floury potato will be good.

Kestrel.     ;D ;D ;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.

Kestrel for me too.

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

Duke

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

KittyKatt

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

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  :)

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

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

Quote from: sawfish on September 06, 2010, 10:13:32
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?

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.

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

thanks for that Sawfish

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