We call these a Maori potato because they are found in Maori gardens, they have been growing them for generations...although like everyone else now, they don't seem to have vege gardens much anymore. These days they would be called heritage potatoes because they are from pioneer stock. The origins are unknown, some could be from the first settlers, some from the sealers and whalers who were here earlier, and Captain Cook gave some potatoes to the Maori on his visit which they were able to cultivate.
Next to an agria.
This one is white inside, some are purple inside, some are creamy on the outside. I baked it, and although it didn't go fluffy inside like the agria, it still tasted ok. I put another in a stew, and it was really tasty. I guess I'll steam the next ones, maybe grow some this year.
When I was a kid I broke my arm and spent a couple of weeks in hospital (bad break, reset a few times). Hospital food is not like your mother makes, and on my plate was always a pile of what looked like purple mashed potato...I'd never seen a purple potato, and I wasn't going to eat this stuff ! Years later I found out what it was.
Next to an agria.
This one is white inside, some are purple inside, some are creamy on the outside. I baked it, and although it didn't go fluffy inside like the agria, it still tasted ok. I put another in a stew, and it was really tasty. I guess I'll steam the next ones, maybe grow some this year.
When I was a kid I broke my arm and spent a couple of weeks in hospital (bad break, reset a few times). Hospital food is not like your mother makes, and on my plate was always a pile of what looked like purple mashed potato...I'd never seen a purple potato, and I wasn't going to eat this stuff ! Years later I found out what it was.