Ode to Potatoes

Potatoes are, to my family, one of the most beloved of all summer crops. My grandfather, every year, grew a huge crop of Kennebecs in his garden. Potatoes commanded a lion's share of the garden space, along with Rutgers tomatoes, dahlias, zinnias, lettuce, gooseberries, Straight Eight cucumbers and onions. There was no greater joy than traipsing out to the garden with grandpa to watch him plunge his shovel into the earth to unearth the potatoes. We would anxiously grab the potatoes as they rolled out of the soil.

My brother is carrying on the potato tradition in his garden. My grandfather grew potatoes to provide food for his family and his sons' families, like so many people of his day. My brother, on the other hand, grows potatoes for their unique shapes, flavors and textures. Better yet, he likes to share the fruits of his labors. Pictured above are the three varities he grew this year which he has graciously shared with me. On the left is the King Harry, which I have not yet tasted. In the middle are the Russian Fingerlings. On the right are the Island Sunshines. I have had both the Russian Fingerling and the Island Sunshine, with the Island Sunshine being my favorite. The Island Sunshines are medium yellow in color, and incredibly creamy in texture. My first experience with a yellow potato was the Yukon Gold. They are widely sold now in almost all grocery stores. While the Yukon Gold is good, how much more wonderful is a potato with the name Island Sunshine! Cooked gently, skins on, with butter, and a smattering of salt and pepper! It just doesn't get much better than that.

If you have the good fortune to have a generous brother who is willing to share his garden treasures, then you are indeed blessed. If you do not have such a brother, then head to the local farmer's market to look over their offerings. You are bound to find some equally wonderful potato varieties. You will find that the products offered in Farmer's Markets are grown by people who have an abiding love of the land. Their products are freshly harvested and bursting with flavor. While you may not be able to experience the joy of watching the vegetables being dug from the earth, you will enjoy the wonderful flavors and textures of locally produced food.