Potatoes

PEI is well known for Potato Production and annually produces around 25 million hundredweight (cwt) of potatoes annually. The potato is a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial Solanum tuberosum of the Solanaceae family. There are many varieties grown on PEI for table use, processing and seed. These include Russet Burbanks, Round Whites, Reds, Yellows, Blues and Fingerlings.

History

Prince Edward Island has a history of potato production dating back to the eighteenth century. The province's cool humid climate with generally well distributed rainfall, length of growing season, and soil structure are well suited to potato production. In addition, cold winters with ground frost assist in the control of potato pests and diseases

Preparation/Consumption

Prince Edward Island Potatoes are convenient and versatile. Before cooking, wash gently with a vegetable brush using cool water. Potatoes contribute many nutrients to our diets including Vitamins C, B6, Folacin and Magnesium.