Solanum tuberosum 'Shetland Black'

Solanum tuberosum 'Shetland Black' is a heritage potato that, as the name suggests, was originally grown in the Shetland Isles. It's unknown exactly when it was introduced there, but it was added to the National Collection in 1923. The foliage is an attractive dark green and the flowers purple-white.

A second early potato, Solanum tuberosum 'Shetland Black' produces lots of small- to medium-sized oval tubers. The new potatoes have a slightly mottled, dark blue/purple skin and are small in comparison with supermarket-bought produce. But they are worth a little extra effort – they are floury in texture and have a delicious flavour, making them excellent for chipping or roasting.