Not this one, Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, 1763- 1827,. Son of George III. He is the one that most scholars think the song was about. He did march his troops up and down a hill in Flanders and his military campaign there was less than successful. Considered to be a spendthrift and womaniser.
And definitely not this one. It does appear that being given the title 'Duke of York' seems to result in the making of rather foolish decisions. One hopes that the 'olive branch' offered by the King results in proper restoration of relationships [and that Sarah's hospital treatment is successful]
The Duke Of York I am focussing on this summer is a potato variety. I bought two varieties with my Sutton's gift voucher - Swift and Red Duke of York
I harvested these on Tuesday. I actually thought the tub was simply full of earth and I'd already removed the crop. Not sure what happened there!
My Conclusions
- I chose one red and one white variety so I could compare them. The Swifts generally have come up larger
- I prefer to scrub rather than peel if I can. This worked with the Swifts. The RDoY not so well. Once they get bigger than a golf ball, the skins go rough and mottled with brown. I needed to peel them.
- The little crimson marbles were very pretty, scrubbed, halved, cooked and served in potato salad, with mint or chives.
- The larger ones took too much effort - and I resented having to peel them!
- But they tasted OK
- Next year I shall ignore RDoY and grow Swifts.
Which potato varieties would you recommend, and why?
I like multi-purpose spuds, not so keen on waxy ones
The only potatoes I've grown have been basic russet potatoes that I've bought from the grocery store - they have been treated with something that is supposed to stop them from sprouting, but, I invariably find some will sprout by the time I come to the end of the bag! Often, I'll just cut out the eyes and cook the rest of the potato, but, lately, I've been taking the last 4 or 5 sprouted potatoes and planting them in a bucket. I'm always excited and thrilled when I manage to harvest some potatoes!
ReplyDeleteA bucket of homegrown "freebie" spuds is exciting, I agree
DeleteI tried a couple of seed potatoes from Wilko that were red. Had a similar result to yours. Accidentally did some white potatoes. Didn't do very well! Kx
ReplyDeleteI had some white ones from. Wilko last year, these are my first reds. Sad about the demise of wilko
DeleteI am fortunate enough to have the space to grow several varieties of potatoes. If I was confined to just one then it would be Charlotte, the best of the earlies but stores well too. I always grow RDY because in our experience, despite also being an early potato, they make the very best roasting potato.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information about Charlottes. I have not tried roasting the RDY - perhaps will do that with Sunday lunch this week. Your gardening tips are always reliable Philip, thank you
DeleteWe always grew Nicola, which is perhaps more of a salad potato. Lots of potatoes on each crop.
ReplyDeleteNot come across Nicola. I do like potato salad
DeleteI'm with Phillip and agreeing that Charlotte are the best of all.
ReplyDeleteWe used to grow Swift for First Early potatoes and then varied our maincrop out on the field each year but always some Charlotte in the garden for us rather than to sell.
Never grew Duke of York.
Charlotte and Swift for 2024 then! (With Nicola for salads)
DeleteOh, they look SO good! I love the thought of baby potatoes with melted butter on them! JanF
ReplyDeleteFresh mint and a pat of butter....mmmm!
DeleteYou got a nice crop. I've never grown potatoes, but I keep wanting to try. Maybe next summer. I wonder if those varieties are available here.
ReplyDelete