Shetland Black potatoes are an heirloom variety of potato from Shetland (little island, 60 degrees North, middle of the North Sea, check it out on your map!). They have a gorgeous dark purple skin, yellow flesh and a distinctive purple ring inside and they make wicked roast potatoes. Since this recipe contains the herb rosemary I am entering it into Lavendar & Lovage’s Herbs on Saturday bloggers challenge hosted, this month, by Blue Kitchen Bakes. I am also entering it into the Best of British food blogger’s challenge finale at London Unattached because we have awesome food up here in Shetland, but quite often, when it comes to talking about British food, we are completely forgotten about! You can find out more about this competition at A Whole New World and you can find more about Shetland produce (like where you could order yourself some fantastic Shetland Black potatoes) at The Shetland Food Directory.
750 g Shetland Black potatoes
olive oil
3 tsp coarse sea salt
a few sprigs of fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic, chopped finely
40 g Shetland butter
Preheat oven to 200 C. Wash potatoes and pat dry. Arrange on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of coarse sea salt. Bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the butter. Remove tray from oven, turn potatoes over and pour over the melted butter. Sprinkle with rosemary and garlic. Roast for a further 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with the remaining coarse sea salt.
Daydream adventurer. Expat Canadian. Foodie. Calls Shetland home, for now. One eye is always on the horizon.
Esme Randall says
Hi, I bought these potatoes and grew them from potatoes sprouting. I noticed that they have little seed balls on the stems outside. The birds absolutely love these. Are they fit for human consumption and can they be planted for more potatoes. Do they serve any purpose at all.
Elizabeth Atia says
Hi Esme, truth be told I have no idea! I’m not a gardener, so I don’t know the ways around growing Shetland black potatoes I’m afraid. I’ll try and find out for you though.
Janine Page says
Hi Elizabeth
We live in Alderney Channel Islands and visit Shetland when ever we can and love the black totties (love your recipes) Could I ask you for names of your supplier up in the north. I’ve been on line for the last hour and every firm in the UK seems to be out of stock.
I only want a couple of Kilo’s and would pay the best price along with freight etc.
I really would be very grateful your help and local knowledge.
Good luck, stay love this winter and a merry Christmas
Janine
Elizabeth says
Good morning Janine, I usually get mine from our local veg box suppliers, but this year they haven’t grown any potatoes as they are so labour intensive. I’m not sure where else you could get them from? Try ringing Scoop Wholefoods in Lerwick – they might be able to help. 🙂
Andrew Petrie says
An intriguing dish wish I would love to try but I’ve never seen these potatoes in Sainsbury’s !
Maya Russell says
I’ve never seen this variety ever! They look fantastic.
Jen Price says
They look very pretty, purple is my favourite colour although haven’t seen any of these near me, will have to look a bit harder! Thanks for entering Herbs on Saturday
fiona maclean says
ohhh wonderful! I see what you mean!!!
Choclette says
We grew these last year, but the yield was rubbish – they did taste good though. We grow a purple fleshed one and a pink fleshed one – both make stunning mashed potato. Seeing these, I’m feeling hungry for roast potatoes now.
Janice says
ooh they look good. I’d love to try different varieties, but not easy to get round here.