| Potato 'Shetland Black' | |
|---|---|
 Seven uncooked unpeeled 'Shetland Black' potatoes on a checked cloth background | |
| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum tuberosum |
| Cultivar | 'Shetland Black' |
| Origin | Shetland Islands |
Shetland Black is a dark purpleheritage variety ofpotato.[1] It comes from theShetland Islands,[2] and was developed in theVictorian era, though the exact origin remains unclear.[citation needed] It is part of the United Kingdom Ark of Taste.[3] The plant grows to about 2.5 feet (0.76 m) tall and is shallow-rooted, making it suitable for container growing.[4] The potato is suitable for roasting, baking or steaming, and is commonly fried into chips or crisps.[3] The potato is fairly small compared with modern cultivars, and when sliced has a purple ring near the edge.[5] When cooked, it develops a fluffy, floury texture.[6]
The skin is uneven and thick, and dark in color.[3] Its colour derives from the presence of two pigments,peonidin andpetunidin, which make up 52% and 38% of the total pigments, respectively.[7]
According to local folklore, the 'Shetland Black' came to the British Isles by way of a strandedSpanish Armada ship, but because it matures early in the season that provenance is disproven.[8]
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