Queen Anne POTATO
Quick Overview
Queen Anne potatoes are an early-maturing, high-yielding variety known for their vibrant yellow skin and smooth texture, making them a favorite among gardeners and farmers. They were developed as a versatile table potato, suitable for both organic and conventional farming, with a growing popularity in multiple regions globally. This variety stands out for its resilience and adaptability, offering a reliable crop with excellent culinary potential.
- Early Maturing: Typically ready to harvest in 85-95 days, ideal for early-season production.
- High Yield: Produces a substantial number of marketable tubers per plant.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for mashing, frying, roasting, and more, appealing to a wide range of cooking preferences.
Origin & History
Queen Anne potatoes were bred by German scientists through a collaboration between Solana GmbH & CO KG and Saka Pflanzenzucht GmbH & CO KG in Hamburg, Germany, showcasing advanced agricultural innovation. The variety was officially recognized and entered into the state registers of Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine in 2015, marking its rapid acceptance in Eastern Europe. Since then, it has gained traction worldwide, particularly in regions like North America, thanks to distributors like Solanum International, based near Edmonton, Canada.
- German Roots: Originated from meticulous breeding efforts in Hamburg, Germany.
- 2015 Milestone: Officially registered in multiple countries, boosting its global presence.
- Global Spread: Adopted in diverse climates, from Siberia to North America, due to its adaptability.
Specifications
Queen Anne potatoes are medium-sized tubers, typically weighing between 84-137 grams, with an elongated-oval shape and a smooth, bright yellow skin. They require a planting depth of about 4 inches in well-draining soil, with spacing of approximately 11 inches apart to optimize size and yield. The plants grow to a height of 8-10 inches and spread 10-15 inches, featuring deep green foliage and white flowers, with a growing cycle of 90-100 days from planting to harvest.
- Size & Shape: Medium tubers (84-137g) with an elongated-oval form.
- Planting Needs: 4-inch depth, 11-inch spacing, full sun, and nutrient-rich soil (N-P-K of 250-120-250 lbs/acre).
- Growth Cycle: Matures in 90-100 days, with plants reaching 8-10 inches tall.
Key Characteristics
Queen Anne potatoes are celebrated for their smooth, bright-yellow skin and yellow flesh, which maintain their color and texture even after cooking, enhancing their visual appeal. They exhibit strong resistance to common potato ailments like common scab, bruising, Rhizoctonia, tuber/leaf blight, and potato virus Y (PVY), making them a hardy choice for growers. Their slightly sweet, rich flavor—free of bitterness—combined with a moderate starch content (around 13-15%), makes them versatile for various dishes without disintegrating during cooking.
- Appearance: Bright yellow skin and flesh, smooth and visually striking.
- Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to scab, bruising, Rhizoctonia, blight, and PVY.
- Flavor & Texture: Slightly sweet, firm yet tender, with moderate starch for universal cooking applications.
Health Benefits
Queen Anne potatoes provide a good source of essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, supporting immune health, muscle function, and digestion. Their resistant starch content, especially when cooled after cooking, may improve gut health and help regulate blood sugar levels, offering metabolic benefits. With a low fat content and moderate calories, they contribute to a balanced diet, particularly when prepared by boiling or roasting rather than frying.
- Nutrient-Rich: High in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber for overall wellness.
- Gut & Blood Sugar Support: Resistant starch aids digestion and stabilizes glucose levels.
- Low Fat: Naturally low in fat, making them a healthy carb option when cooked simply.