We get excited about potatoes all year round here at Seasonal Spuds – but we must admit there is something rather special about Cornish New potatoes, which are only in season for a few summer months each year.
These much-anticipated beauties are the perfect waxy spud that make a tasty addition to a range of dishes. No wonder these mild, sweet-flavoured treats are the pride of Cornwall.
What are Cornish New potatoes?
These mini spuds are the UK’s first mainland New potato crop of the summer, and as the warmer weather approaches, we know we’re in for a real treat when Cornish New potato season is upon us.
As British consumers look increasingly at the provenance of their food, there’s no better produce for the summer months than a freshly harvested crop of potatoes grown in Cornwall’s fertile soils, stretching across the county from Land’s End.
Carefully selected early potato varieties are grown in Cornwall, including Lady Christl, Jazzy and Maris Peer. These varieties produce large numbers of small, waxy potatoes that can be ready to harvest as soon as 12 weeks after planting.
Much of Cornwall’s rugged landscape is too wild for agriculture, so farmers make the most of the fertile pockets of arable land, with crops in some of the smaller and more hilly fields often harvested by hand at the start of the season.
When are Cornish New potatoes in season?
Early Cornish New potatoes are the first to arrive in British markets each year and simply fly off supermarket shelves.
The season is generally from June until early August, subject to weather conditions. Cornwall’s unique maritime climate offers generally frost-free and warmer growing conditions, giving growers a head start on other UK areas.
Why cook with Cornish New potatoes?
Since the tubers are harvested young, the flesh of Cornish New potatoes retains much of its natural sweetness, giving them a rich, creamy flavour. Their renowned soft and delicate skin makes them easy to prepare as no peeling is necessary.
Affordable and incredibly versatile, their naturally buttery taste adds bags of flavour to a dish, especially when used to bring a range of salads to life. A good source of fibre and naturally fat-free, these New potatoes are packed with nutrients, including vitamins B6 and C, and potassium.
Recipes for Cornish New potatoes
Cornish New potatoes are best prepared by steaming, boiling or roasting – working well with hot and cold salads and as a barbecue side dish. They also taste divine when served with a dollop of butter – from Cornwall, of course – and a sprinkling of salt.
But let’s not stop there. Here are some of our wonderful ways of cooking this mini superfood:
Cornish New Potato and Mackerel Fish Cakes with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Sour Cream
Summon up memories of a seaside holiday in Cornwall with this delicious fish dish featuring our favourite Cornish New potato
Roasted Cornish New Potato, Fennel and Hake Tray Bake
One-pan cooking at its finest and an impressive five-minute preparation time, fillet of hake nestles alongside crispy-skinned Cornish New potatoes.
Cornish Pasties Puff Pastry-Style with New Potato, Roasted Red Pepper and Feta
Perfect for vegetarians, this easy-to-make recipe will make mouths water with its Mediterranean flavours featuring roasted pepper and feta.
Healthy Fish and Cornish New Potato Chips
Who doesn’t love a hearty plate of fish and chips? No need to deep fry – this is a healthy take on the British favourite.
Mexican Jackets
Perfect for summer barbecues and picnics, add a little spice to your life with these delicious Mexican-flavoured treats, topped with a dollop of sour cream.
Cornish New Potato and Thai Beef Salad
A tantalising dish bursting with Thai flavours, this dish features a juicy rump steak, fresh vegetables and chilli with lots of fresh herbs.
Cornish New Potato and Rosemary Focaccia
The perfect comfort food, this recipe offers a step-by-step way to showcase your breadmaking skills.
Cornish New Potato and Roast Chicken Salad
One of our all-time favourite dishes, you can’t beat the smell of a roasting chicken, especially one stuffed with thyme, lemons and garlic. Pair the finished chicken with salad leaves and delicious Cornish New potatoes.
Potato and Chickpea Curry
Wow your friends and family with this light and delicious curry that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. Stand by with the rice, coriander and naan for a real weekend treat.
New Potato and Sausage Bake
Get creative in the kitchen with this lovely dish that features the tasty za’atar mix, the popular Middle Eastern seasoning.
New Potatoes with Garlic, Lemon and Squid
Embrace a taste of the sea with this yummy squid dish, created especially for us by talented chef Gill Meller, combining Cornish New Potatoes with smoked paprika and garlic.
Get in touch
We hope our Cornish New potato recipes have got your tastebuds tingling; don’t forget, they’re only available for one season so make the most of them.
We work with some of the nation’s best chefs and recipe developers to produce nutritious and innovative dishes – check out our recipe for more ideas.
Have you got a question you would like our potato experts to answer? Get in touch by tagging @seasonal_spuds on Instagram or by liking us on Facebook.
