PRODUCEDINKENT
MEET THE PRODUCER :
PROVENANCE POTATOES
Champions of Kent Potatoes
CHAMPIONS OF KENT POTATOES SINCE 2012 , PROVENANCE POTATOES AND THEIR FARMERS HAVE KEPT THE COUNTY FED WITH TASTY , NUTRITIOUS , GOOD VALUE SPUDS THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC .
Together with fellow director and agronomist Graeme , Tracy Bush set up Provenance Potatoes in 2012 in partnership with a core group of Kent growers to develop alternative markets to the traditional larger retailers . Their main aims : growing varieties suitable to the land and selling as much as possible to local and regional customers to minimise food miles . Provenance Potatoes now grows and sells 10,000 tonnes a year , of which 50 % is in-county to a wide variety of businesses – from farm shops to cafes , school canteens and even Michelin starred restaurants .
For many a potato is a potato is a potato – how wrong are they and how versatile is the potato , really ?
This could not be further from the truth – potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables available . What other food item can be cooked in so many ways – chipped , roasted , mashed , boiled , wedged , steamed , dauphinoise , fried , used in soups , and as toppings . I ’ ve even used leftover mash as a flour substitute for a gluten free cake !
The potatoes Provenance sell are grown for their distinctiveness , we never grow spuds just because they yield well . Potatoes such as Desiree can be described as smooth in texture , great for mash whereas a King Edward is floury and perfect for crispy roasties . The humble spud has great nutritional value , too – they are low in salt and fat and contain C and B group vitamins as well as potassium and fibre .
The pandemic has seen more people buying local : has there been a growing appreciation for the ( local ) potato as well ?
Absolutely ! We have received far more enquiries this season than ever before about the different varieties , how to store potatoes properly and their preparation . This is why we decided to start selling a 2kg retail pack to local independent retailers and farm shops . A Broadstairs restaurant approached us because they specifically wanted local Kent Chipping potatoes for their skin on , hand cut frites . Let ’ s hope shopping and eating habits will change permanently , not just with shoppers but with local chefs too .
What do you do with the potatoes you cannot sell ?
To reduce food waste as much as possible , Provenance finds homes for all shapes , sizes and skin finishes . Tubers which are not fit for human consumption are fed to local cattle which is a great example of a circular economy ; waste provides fuel for milk and beef production and the manure in turn nourishes the soil to grow potatoes again . We also send waste potatoes to the local Anaerobic Digestion ( AD ) plant to produce energy for homes . Compost produced as a by-product from the AD plant is put back on the land to increase its organic matter . Any potatoes which can be consumed by humans but are not so pretty are used by COOK in Sittingbourne for their frozen ready meal range .
With Brexit now a fact and climate change on the horizon – what does the future of the UK potato look like ?
Brexit poses a huge challenge for the UK potato trade but also an incredible opportunity . UK potatoes have been given the all clear for export to the EU , but the queues at the ports have highlighted the UK ’ s reliance on imports and raised the issue of food security . As a nation we grow enough potatoes to be self-sufficient so there has never been a better time to support British farmers . As far as climate change goes , Provenance and our farmers have always considered the impact of our business on the environment and community . We continuously look to reduce our collective carbon footprint , improve the soils our potatoes are grown in , help to increase biodiversity and consider the economic impact our packing and growing has on local jobs and the rural economy .
www . provenance-potatoes . co . uk
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