Asda has re-introduced a range of old, traditional-style potatoes, which have not been available in UK shops for 40 years.

Many of the varieties, developed in Victorian times, were grown in allotments and backyards during World War II.

Among the varieties is British Queen, a potato first developed in 1894. According to Asda, it has a fine flavour, shape and a floury texture, making it especially good for making chips and roasts

Red King Edward, developed in 1916, is a rare relative of the King Edward. Experts claim the variety tastes better than any potatoes on shelves today, Asda said.

And Arran Victory, a purple-skinned potato developed in the Arran Isles in 1918 and named to celebrate the end of the war, is apparently ideal for mash with a rich smooth texture.

Asda said it expected the move to re-ignite debate about which potatoes are best - modern varieties or older style spuds.

"We think history might be able to teach modern potato breeders a thing or two about taste,” said Asda potato buyer Drew Kirk. “Modern potatoes varieties, by necessity, have often been chosen because they have a high yield, excellent disease resistance and they’re easy to grow. These characteristics have made potatoes cheap to buy, providing families with good quality food at a price everyone can afford.”

But, despite the fact that the older varieties take longer to grow, produce fewer tubers and are more susceptible to disease, many believe they still provide the best eating potatoes available, he said.

“Sales are rocketing because thousands of people remember these potato varieties form their youth and have longed to taste them again after all these years.

“We’re putting history on a plate. Britain has been a world leader in developing new potato varieties, so we want to preserve this wonderful heritage for generations to come.”

Other varieties to be stocked include Catriona, Majestic, and Up To Date - a potato developed by famous Scottish breeder Archibald Findlay and exported worldwide to become the first Cyprus potato.

Topics