Shetland Black potato facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Potato 'Shetland Black' |
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Seven uncooked unpeeled 'Shetland Black' potatoes on a checked cloth background
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| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum tuberosum |
| Cultivar | 'Shetland Black' |
| Origin | Shetland Islands |
The Shetland Black is a special type of potato. It has a dark purple skin. This potato is an old, traditional kind, known as a "heritage variety." It comes from the Shetland Islands, which are north of Scotland. People have been growing it since the Victorian era, a long time ago!
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Discovering the Shetland Black Potato
The Shetland Black potato is a very old type of potato. It is known as a "heritage variety." This means it's a traditional kind that has been grown for many years. It is part of the United Kingdom Ark of Taste. This is a list of special foods that are important to protect.
What Makes This Potato Unique?
The Shetland Black potato is quite unique. It has a dark, uneven, and thick skin. This skin is a deep purple color. The color comes from two natural pigments. These are called peonidin and petunidin. They give the potato its special dark look.
When you slice open a Shetland Black potato, you might see a purple ring. This ring is usually near the edge of the potato. After it is cooked, the potato becomes fluffy. It has a floury texture, which means it's soft and light.
How Does the Plant Grow?
The potato plant itself grows to be about 2.5 feet (0.76 meters) tall. Its roots do not go very deep into the ground. This makes it a great potato to grow in containers. So, you can even grow it in a pot on your balcony or in a small garden!
How Can You Use Shetland Black Potatoes?
Shetland Black potatoes are quite small. They are smaller than many modern potato types. They are very versatile in the kitchen. You can use them in many different ways.
These potatoes are great for roasting. They also taste delicious when baked. Steaming them is another popular way to cook them. Many people enjoy frying them into chips or crisps. They make a tasty snack or side dish.
Where Does This Potato Come From?
The Shetland Black potato comes from the Shetland Islands. These islands are located north of Scotland. It became popular during the Victorian era. This was a time when Queen Victoria ruled Britain.
There is a fun story about how this potato arrived. Some people used to believe it came from a Spanish Armada ship. This ship supposedly got stranded near the islands. However, this story is not true. The Shetland Black potato grows early in the season. This means it could not have come from a ship that arrived later in the year.
