What Happened To Jersey Royal Potatoes?

[naomi24]

They used to have a lovely unique flavour but now they're no different from any new potato - except in price.   Anyone else noticed?

[barry1010]

Are they still fertilised by seaweed? That was part of the flavour

[Hazlinny]

Agree the flavour is nothing like it used to be when Jersey potatoes were a special treat - noticed this for the past two years, maybe more.  Maybe, Barry, seaweed fertiliser is not common practice now?

[bhg481]

Yes, it's years since we bought some that tasted "right"; even a holiday in Jersey where the hotel served them wasn't what we expected.

[barry1010]

I've just been googling and some growers claim to grow them the traditional way, don't know if they all do.  I think it should be a condition of them being sold as Jersey Royals

[netherfield]

For the last ten years or more, the flavour has gone, doesn't help being washed, mucky potatoes where you could just scrape the skin off were the best. But of course people don't eat as many these days, and have no time to prepare them.

[pastafreak]

Maybe Jersey Royals need a PDO...Protected Designation of Origin?

[Prudie]

I agree, they stopped tasting like they used to several years ago. It wasn't just the taste, they had a unique almost waxy texture. Shame.

[barry1010]

They do have a PDO and a Geographical Indication UK Protected status

[Patsy33]

Why Jersey potatoes may have lost their flavour.

Intensive Farming:

The shift towards more intensive farming methods, including the use of artificial fertilizers instead of seaweed, has impacted the flavor of Jersey Royals. 

Seaweed's Role:

Seaweed, historically used as a natural fertilizer on the island, is believed to have contributed to the unique flavor profile of Jersey Royals. 

Global Competition:

The increased availability of new potatoes from other regions has also contributed to the perceived decline in flavor, as Jersey Royals are no longer the earliest potato available. 

Commercialization:

The takeover of Jersey Royal farming by a larger company has led to a focus on maximizing yield and early harvesting, potentially at the expense of flavor. 

Seed Potato Variety:

While the Jersey Royal variety is known as the "International Kidney" seed potato, the specific growing conditions, including seaweed, are crucial for its distinct flavor. 

[jourdain2]

Wellm that explains it Patsy.  They certainly aren't anything like they were. Such a shame.

[THECORBYLOON]

The PDO states, "Majority of the crop is planted by hand. Each grower selects his own seed which is planted at the second shoot stage. Extensive use is made of seaweed as fertiliser."

That means there is no specified method for fertilizing them. 

[Old_Geezer]

Well there you go. Get your own seed potatoes, plant and fertilise with seaweed !  (Flog any excess to other AB members.)

[Henry1865]

One or both of the postage stamps issued imediately after WWII ended showed vraicing, gathering seaweed for spreading on the land.  

(Google - define vraicing).

I gave up buying Jersey Royals a few years ago as they taste no different from ordinary spuds.

[Canary42]

It's all part of the general dumbing down of modern life.

When I was a kid we had to "eat up all on your plate" and as a result we developed a sophisticated variety of tastes. Today's kids survive on tasteless junk food so turn down any food with even the hint of an actual taste because they "don't like it". 

[Electrochem]

I agree. I purchased dome form Tesco and I was not impressed by the flavour. They have them in Lidl, so I may give theirs a try. I often buy my veg at the local market and find the quality and prices better from there.

[barry1010]

Perhaps for some of us it's due to loss of taste buds and the dulling of the palate. A lot of things no longer taste the same as they used to for me

[davebro3]

perhaps someone could organise a tasting session with people of different ages...

[barry1010]

Good of you to volunteer, dave

[dave50]

Eggs dont seem to be as tasty as they did when I was a lad either. 

[barry1010]

When I were a boy I didn't like Jersey Royals, they tasted bitter and metallic.