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My wife continually moans and rightly so that my main crop potatoes boil down in the water. I have tried Desiree, Cara, Picasso and Maris Piper all boiled down. Maxine which I have grown for the first time this year are ok but I would like to grow an alternative as well next year. At the moment I open 2 bags for her Maxine which she uses for boiling and Cara for alternative culinary uses. Any thoughts on an alternative maincrop which does not boil down would be most welcome.

Try growing Nadine. Its a second early but stores quite well when the weather is what it should be.We are usually able to store ours well into the new year.
Try some from a supermarket first and see if you like them

I've read this so many times over the years...and my answer is always the same. Your overcooking them!!

Boiled potatoes are cooked when you can insert a sharp knife into the centre of the spud, lift from the water still holding the spud, and a second later the spud drops back off the knife into the water. Drain them, pop back onto the heat for a minute to dry away any residual water from the pan and there you have it..perfect boiled potatoes.

I daresay there are one or two varieties that do boil away, but as yet I have not come accross any, domestically or professionally.

Steve...:)

I have a  bag and a half of rooster if you want to come and collect them Steve.

try this it my be helpful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCsLcWvIbdA&feature=related

Fantastic, loved these ads  ;D

Quote from: plainleaf on November 13, 2011, 08:22:16
try this it my be helpful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCsLcWvIbdA&feature=related

They were great fun at the time ;D

Didn't convince us though or we would't be doing it the long way ;)

Back to boiling potatoes - well don't- buy a simple folding steamer for a few quid and cut lengthwise to make wedges like an orange segment.
That way the firmest central part of the potato is thinner and the outer bit thicker. Then you do not have to  steam for too long, so they cook evenly :)

I'm with PP, Nadine are a lovely potato, super to boil and excellent mash. Blue Belle have also been fab this year very tasty indeed and great to cook with, added bonus they are really nice looking.

It's been a funny year for potatoes and like others I've noticed some of my varieties that would normally have no problem being boiled- have. For me I think it is most likely due to the combination of weather and moisture this season affecting tubers cooking properties rather than a case of over cooking. Can be quite frustrating when they wont even par-boil for roasties without breaking up. Variety makes a big difference too not much hope trying to boil a S. Axona!

I like the idea of cutting them into segments PL.

Mrs P got around this by bringing the potatoes to the boil and then switching off the gas and letting them cook.

The cure is simple. Do not boil!! You loose the flavour as well. Microwave or steam is so easy for good results every time.

I normally cut the potatoes in half and leave the skins on to boil them. I add a couple dashes of salt into the water and let the pan come to the boil and then I reduce the heat down a few notches and let them simmer away.

Has anyone tried adding a single sweetner that you use in coffee or tea? I do like to try different things when I cook :)

I have never ever seen potatoes boil away.

It's never happened to me either, but I give everything minimal cooking. They don't get a chance to boil down!

Steam away thats what I do.   ;D

I always steam but these Rooster fall apart as soon as you turn your back. I think its a case of mash mash mash with loads of seasoning in.