Comber Earlies, also called new season Comber potatoes, [1] are potatoes grown around the town of Comber, County Down, Northern Ireland. [2] They enjoy the status of protected geographical indication (PGI) since 2012 and are grown by the Comber Earlies Growers Co-Operative Society Limited. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
The term applies to immature potatoes harvested between early May and late July in the area surrounding Comber. [8] [9] This area, sheltered by the Mourne Mountains and Ards Peninsula and protected from frost by the saltwater of Strangford Lough, has a distinctive microclimate, allowing an early potato harvest and a distinctive sweet, nutty flavour. [10] Comber Earlies are not a variety of potato, they can be of many varieties, but are named solely after the location at which they are grown. [11]
Comber potatoes have long been linked with the Ulster Scots planters the Hamiltons and Montgomerys. [12] The first written mention of potatoes being grown in Ireland, in 1606, mentions Comber. [13]
Comber Earlies, also called new season Comber potatoes, [1] are potatoes grown around the town of Comber, County Down, Northern Ireland. [2] They enjoy the status of protected geographical indication (PGI) since 2012 and are grown by the Comber Earlies Growers Co-Operative Society Limited. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
The term applies to immature potatoes harvested between early May and late July in the area surrounding Comber. [8] [9] This area, sheltered by the Mourne Mountains and Ards Peninsula and protected from frost by the saltwater of Strangford Lough, has a distinctive microclimate, allowing an early potato harvest and a distinctive sweet, nutty flavour. [10] Comber Earlies are not a variety of potato, they can be of many varieties, but are named solely after the location at which they are grown. [11]
Comber potatoes have long been linked with the Ulster Scots planters the Hamiltons and Montgomerys. [12] The first written mention of potatoes being grown in Ireland, in 1606, mentions Comber. [13]