Jersey Royals - not what they were ?

[sunny-dave]

I've just had my third or fourth bag of Jersey Royals for this season - and am deeply disappointed. Not special, not worth the premium and (to be frank) not tasting like proper Jerseys at all.

This isn't just a 'one year' aberration - I think they've been on the slide for a while now. What I'm not sure about is whether they are genuinely getting worse, or whether it's just my memory telling fibs.

I wonder if the fact that you can get quite good 'new' potatoes year round now also takes away the wow factor of the first Jerseys?

But, on balance, I think that something, somewhere has changed and they are just not what they were ?

[jno]

dry spring was the cause last year

http://www.dailymail....t-spring-decades.html

presumably not this year, though

[nannybooby]

sunny dave have you been growing your own ? they deffinatley taste better!

[sunny-dave]

My grow bags are 'nearly ready' with the very first home grown spuds of the year ... assuming the assorted wildlife hasn't scoffed them already ...

[horseshoes]

Anglesey potatoes are FAR nicer than Jersey Royals. Alas though, they're very difficult to find in the shops - yes, even on Anglesey! The manager of the fruit and veg section of Morrisons said that the Welsh potatoes were from Pembroke when I asked. All to do with money he said. If you're lucky enough to see any Anglesey potatoes, try them - they're scrummylicous.

[razza]

Never rated them anyhow,you cant beat good old Linclolnshires.

[Traci66]

I much prefer the Lincolnshire to jerseys, they taste like jersey ones used to.

[LCDMAN]

They can no longer use the traditional seaweed to fertilize the crop, which has had an effect on the distinctive taste.

[rowanwitch]

The variety is International Kidney... if you grow your own and eat them fresh they are wonderful.... but newly dug charlotte are even better,,,rich and buttery

[ummmm]

They are def over rated...

[humbersloop]

Haven't bothered with them for ages for just that reason.

Didn't know about the seaweed thing -has anyone broken it to mrs o?

[ChuckFickens]

"They can no longer use the traditional seaweed to fertilize the crop"

Yes they can, a lot of farmers choose not to these day because of the cost but there is nothing stopping them from using seaweed (Vraic) if they choose to.

The seaweed has been banned is another euromyth often spread about.

[venator]

I agree, Jersey Royals aren't what they were - I thought it was me, as many things ain't what they used to be...

[rowanwitch]

Perhaps for those of the faithful the taste of food with a greater degree of 'williness' is more satisfying... succulent ends of asparagus.... the powerful leek...the astringency of rhubarb and the rich warm tones of the carrot far exceed the bland taste and texture of the humble spud.... all to the Glory of Ab Editor PBUHhis grace and tablecloth etc

[venator]

Yes indeed! Let's get back to our roots - succulent leeks from Wales, rhubarb from Yorkshire and bananas from Tesco!

Praise Ab Editor and pass the bananas!!!

[tonyav]

Oi, you two I know whats going on lol.

[rowanwitch]

And I forgot the cool crispness of a firm stiff cucumber and the plump invitation of the courgette... such is the sacred menu....

just add a nice dollop of sour cream ...

[humbersloop]

I've struggled with asparagus recently, have found a good local source of organic celery though.

[chi-chi66]

I have always liked Jersey Royals...think they particularly go well with leeks,

any type of dish containing both, dont like charlotte. Finished off with

banana's...not banofee pie, can't stand it....just plain unadulterated.......

[venator]

What, me, tonyav?

ve haff no devious plan - come see us on here Ab Editor ....

[sallybb]

ours were hard and bitter, some had gone slimey in the sealed bag. So half a bag discarded to start. If it wasn't a ten mile round trip to supermarket , I would have returned them.