The end of May until the start of August is harvest time for the German early potatoes. All potatoes harvested before 11 August are early potatoes. And every year the start of the season is awaited eagerly.
Why are early potatoes so popular? Because they are fresh! Due to the short ripening period German fans don’t have to wait until fall for potatoes. The early potatoes almost directly land on the customers’ plate, without being stored. To speed up the growth of the potatoes, farmers cover the fields with large sheets of reusable plastic. The plastic not only protect against frost it also warms the soil and speeds up the development of the potatoes.
As the potatoes are harvested before they are completely matured they differ from the regular potatoes. The potatoes have a very thin peel that can be removed with just a little pressure under running water. Furthermore the early potatoes have lower starch content, which is about 12 to 13%. The potatoes that are harvested later in the year have a starch content 14 to 16%. And finally they have a very short shelf life and should be consumed quickly - ideally the potatoes should be consumed immediately after purchase. If that isn’t possible the potatoes can be stored for a maximum of 2 weeks in a dry and cool place. After storing particular attention should be paid to green spots, but if the spots are removed nothing can stop you from enjoying the early potatoes.
Already ripe, potatoes harvested in Germany from May to August season are not stored
Photo: © DKHV)Early potatoes can be used in a wide variety of ways. The waxier potato varieties are especially suitable for jacket potatoes, salads, gratin and stews. Floury potatoes are very often used as a basis for sweeter potato dishes.