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Potatoes 'Paarsput' / 'Paarspit', 'Blauwput' or 'Blauwpit'

Potatoes 'Paarsput' / 'Paarspit', 'Blauwput' or 'Blauwpit'

Potatoes 'Paarsput' / 'Paarspit', 'Blauwput' or 'Blauwpit'

Product number: 405350.1
Origin: Europe
Latin: Solanum tuberosum

(before 1900) This rather old regional variety was formerly mainly known in South Holland and Zeeland and is still sporadically grown on Goeree-Overflakkee. The tubers are slightly angular-round with the typical purple color in the rather deep eyes, the flesh of the tuber is ocher yellow. The taste is the reward: it is very good and widely loved! The fact that this characteristic goes hand in hand with a high susceptibility to potato blight is accepted: harvesting young is therefore the message. For years, hobbyists have exchanged this variety among themselves because it was no longer traded. I remember the years of (somewhat secretly asked) demand for "Paarspitjes" at the counter... So we have them again!

EARLY VARIETY FOR GOURMETS.
An early variety mainly means that it grows quickly and can therefore be harvested early. The planting time is actually the same as later varieties (April). However, to get an extra early harvest, these varieties are often planted earlier (mid-March with protection from foil or even from January under glass). The early varieties are less susceptible to the dreaded potato blight (Phytophthora infestans). Although the epidemic occurs earlier and earlier: plant widely and fertilize with potassium. Do not plant them in too wet a place, but in full sun. The average planting distance is 70x40 cm, we recommend keeping 80x40 cm to prevent diseases.

Names:
Latin: Solanum tuberosum
Dutch: Aardappel
Also known as: Paarspit, Paarsput, Blauwput, Blauwpit
English: Potato

Planting time:

March
April

Soil type:

All soil types

Location:

Flower colour: Light purple with white
Average growth height: 60 to 90 cm
Bulb / tuber size: Varies
Attractive to insects: N/A
Annual or perennial: Annual
Winter hardy: Not frost hardy
Origin: Europe
Ease of cultivation: Moderate

Latin: Solanum tuberosum
Dutch: Potato
Also known as: Purple pit, Purple well, Blue well, Blue pit
English: Aardappel

“These potatoes don’t taste as good as they used to…” Do you know that sigh? Perhaps you lived (and tasted!) more intensely in the past, but when it comes to those old forgotten varieties, we have good news for you: they are back, those spuds of yesteryear! Old varieties from before 1950 with special flavours, unique colours, unknown shapes. How wonderful it would be if all these historical varieties were available on a special shelf at the greengrocer… but for now, you’ll have to grow them yourself (or have them grown) for this "new" culinary voyage of discovery. Just a culinary tip: because of their special colour or shape, don't peel them, but clean them well and cook them whole; often the colour remains after cooking, and presentation matters, doesn't it? In the English tradition, harvested potatoes are neatly cleaned and displayed in baskets. You could further enhance this harvest presentation with unique cucumbers, multi-coloured chard, pumpkins, red kale, blue corn: "browse" our seed guides for all those special (old but now trendy) vegetables. Potatoes that have been displayed for a while will slowly turn green and are then no longer edible. For the grower, it's important to know that these old varieties are more susceptible to disease: plant them with ample space and keep a close eye on them. A fun tip: just plant at least 5 varieties; they are packed in small portions (1 kg), and place a clear sign next to each separate variety. Cook and taste them separately, turn it into a "Van Gogh Potato Eaters feast"... Do you know a "forgotten" variety: let us know. All that remains is to wish you a very good harvest and (for later): bon appétit!