Nottingham Organic Gardeners

Wilkinson St Nottingham, NG8 5FL

Welcome to Nottingham Organic Gardeners. 

 We are a voluntary organisation, a friendly group in Nottingham, open to all.

 We aim to promote organic and sustainable gardening, and a more localised food culture. 

 We have an Organic Demonstration Garden at Whitemoor Allotments in Nottingham and hold regular talks, workshops and events with an organic theme. 

 Please note we cannot endorse or recommend specific gardening suppliers, businesses or growers.

Day 22: Idaho - The potato state

February 01, 2021  /  nogs website


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Idaho is a state in the north-west of the United States.

Each state in the US has a nickname, Idaho has two nicknames ‘The Potato State’ and ‘The Gem State’.

Idaho is ‘The Gem State’ because of the number of different minerals and precious stones that can be found in the Idaho mountains.

Idaho’s rich, volcanic soil and mild climate make it the perfect place to grow some real potato gems too, with the state producing a third of US potatoes.

There is a potato museum in the state and an Idaho Potato Commission responsible for marketing the local potato and protecting Idaho potatoes interest.

The Russet potato can be grown anywhere in the U.S. but the Commission certifies those grown specifically in Idaho so consumers know they’re getting Idaho quality.

The Idaho potatoes are so tasty that McDonald’s uses only Idaho Russett potatoes for its fries in America.

In the UK McDonalds sources its fries from the UK through suppliers McCain and Lamb Weston.

The varieties supplied to McDonalds in the UK include Shepody, which can be harvested early in the summer to meet the demand for new season potatoes, and Russet Burbank which is more suited to long-term storage through the winter to ensure a consistent year-round supply.

Today’s variety - Rocket (1st Early)

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An English variety introduced in 1987.

One of the earliest varieties to crop.

Uniform, exhibition quality, round tubers.

Great for boiling and steaming.

About my January Potato Journey

I am trying to build up my horticulture knowledge, all views are my own and are intended to be in a positive spirit.

I am a member of Nottingham Organic Gardeners (NOGs)

The daily posts are hoped to feature varieties which are likely to be part of Nottingham Organic Gardeners’ Potato Day and some fun potato trivia.

Also to be my celebration of the potato and Nottingham Organic Gardeners Potato Day.

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