Much like Manitobans themselves, red potatoes are adept at enduring WHY OLD JEWELLERY IS NOW IN.
RED POTATOES
What goes around lasts year-round THE MANITOBA CROPYOU CAN FIND FRESH FOR 12 MONTHS OF THE YEAR SUBMITTED BY PEAK OF THE MARKET
long, cold and dark seasons.
What lasts longer than a Manitoba winter? The answer might surprise you: it’s the Manitoba red potato.
T hanks to carefully select- ed varieties and advanced storage practices, Manito- ba-grown red potatoes are available fresh all year long. Even late into the summer, these rosy-coloured and creamy-textured potatoes may be nearing their first birthday. And you’d never know it! HOW DO THEY DO IT? Much like Manitobans themselves, red potatoes are adept at enduring long, cold and dark seasons. That’s because some red potato varieties have a nat- urally long dormancy period, further finessed by generations of farmers who have specialized in growing this very crop across the Red River Valley. “When stored properly, red potatoes don’t just hold up — their flavour and texture remain exceptional,” says Tracy Shinners-Carnelley, vice-president of research, quality and sustainability at Peak of the Market. “In many cases, they’re just as enjoyable months after harvest as they are fresh from the field.”
WORKING WITH STRENGTHS Proper storage is key to the red potato’s longevity. Controlled temperatures, humidity levels, airflow and darkness all extend the tuber’s shelf life without compromising its quality. Because long-term storage potatoes are firm, later-season red potatoes can deliver a satisfying bite. Sometimes the flavour even becomes elevated along the way. Home chefs may find springtime a great season to experiment cooking with reds. HOMEGROWN ADVANTAGES Red potatoes thrive in Manitoba’s loamy soils and four-season climate, making them a reliable local crop year after year. In fact, red potatoes have been foundational to Manitoba’s potato industry for generations. “Manitoba is uniquely well suited to growing red potatoes,” Shinners- Carnelley says. “We’re fortunate to have varieties that store beautifully without sacrificing taste or texture.” As you look for ways to support local agriculture — even when growing season seems like it’s still months away — red potatoes offer a reminder that freshness isn’t limited to summer.
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18 | SPRING 2026 | SAVOUR MANITOBA
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