Cherie POTATO

Quick Overview

Cherie potatoes are a small to medium-sized variety known for their distinctive red-pink skin and creamy yellow flesh. They are a popular culinary potato, especially in Europe, prized for their waxy texture and sweet, nutty flavor. Developed in France, they have become a favored choice for both commercial growers and home gardeners.

• Size: Small to medium, typically 4.5–5 cm in diameter and 11–12 cm in length.
• Popularity: Widely grown in France, Hungary, Holland, and parts of England.
• Culinary Use: Often used in dishes like tartiflette due to their smooth, dense consistency.

Origin & History

Cherie potatoes were bred in France by Germicopa, a potato breeding company, in the late 20th century as a cross between Roseval potatoes and an unnamed variety (VK 76.199.3). Introduced to growers in 1997, they quickly gained recognition for their excellent flavor and cultivation traits, earning the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 2011. Their development reflects a focus on creating a versatile, high-quality potato suited to European climates and cuisines.

• Breeding: Result of crossing Roseval with VK 76.199.3 by Germicopa.
• Introduction: Released to the market in 1997, with notable success in Europe.
• Recognition: Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2011 after a 2003 salad potato trial.

Specifications

Cherie potatoes are elongated, oval to oblong tubers with semi-thin, smooth red-pink skin that may feature shallow eyes and occasional flaky patches. Their yellow to cream-colored flesh is firm and slippery when raw, transforming into a creamy, dense texture when cooked. They are classified as an early harvest variety, producing high yields of uniform tubers that store well.

• Shape: Elongated, oval to oblong, sometimes with minor surface bumps.
• Skin: Red-pink, semi-thin, smooth with shallow eyes and occasional dark markings.
• Yield: Each plant averages 30 potatoes, totaling about 3.5 pounds (1.5 kg).

Key Characteristics

These potatoes are distinguished by their low starch content and waxy nature, making them ideal for boiling, roasting, or use in salads rather than mashing. When cooked, they offer a sweet, earthy, and nutty flavor with chestnut-like undertones, complemented by a smooth, creamy consistency. Their attractive presentation, early maturation, and excellent storage quality make them a standout variety for both taste and practicality.

• Texture: Waxy and low-starch, turning creamy and dense when cooked.
• Flavor: Sweet, earthy, and nutty with a hint of chestnut.
• Storage: Known for maintaining quality during storage, a key asset for growers.

Health Benefits

Cherie potatoes provide a good source of carbohydrates for energy, along with dietary fiber, particularly when consumed with the skin, which supports digestive health. They contain essential nutrients like vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immunity, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Their resistant starch content, which increases when cooled after cooking, may improve gut health and blood sugar control.

• Nutrients: Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber (especially with skin).
• Resistant Starch: Offers prebiotic benefits for gut bacteria when cooled post-cooking.
• Low Fat: Naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free, promoting heart health when prepared simply.