spuds

[cornishwoman]

Don't see any potato thread so I'm asking here.Any one have any info on a seed potato called kennebeck,its selling at the co/op here,cant find it on the net,co/op people don't seem to know the variety other than its from Kentucky and its a white spud,not that its terribly important,I'm going to buy a 5lb bag anyway.

[canadamike]

It is actually from Maine and is by far and large one of the most popular potatoes in North America. Probably the best seller across the continent. HUGE producer or pretty early big taters, great for fries, good general purpose potato.

Expect yield....much better tasting in an organic set up, kelp foliar feeding can help a lot here...

[cornishwoman]

Ta ever so much Mike.

[bluelacedredhead]

Kate,
Here's a description of the Kennebec from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. As you'll see, it's an excellent general purpose tater suited for Chips too!
www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/potpom/var/kennebec/kennebece.shtml

[DarJones]

cuke.hort.ncsu.edu/cucurbit/wehner/vegcult/potato.html

Kennebec - Breeder: USDA. Parentage: USDA B127 x X96-56. Characteristics: white, high yield, tubers elliptical to oblong, eyes shallow, good quality. Resistance: late blight, mild mosaic and net necrosis. Adaptation: northern United States. American Potato Journal 25:351-361, 1948.

Kennebec is stated to be adapted to the northern U.S. but it is well adapted across most of the eastern U.S. and can be productive in much of the rest of the country. It is arguably the production standard against which all other white potatoes should be measured. Note that russet potatoes such as Ranger Russet are more widely grown for retail but Kennebec is very widely grown by home gardeners.

DarJones

[bunkie]

i love Kennebec potato...good one kate!

[mnjrutherford]

It's the standard white sold around these parts Kate. We grew it last year. Keeps pretty good, lovely for jacket potatoes and mash. I also "stewed" it with my only big pick of peas. Wonderful! The flavor is "creamy" and the texture is nice and smooth rather than grainy. I think you'll enjoy it.

[Alan]

Get your Kennebecks now! According to an article I read today and the two local suppliers (Buntons Seeds and Millers Hardware) the Kennebecks are being replaced due to disease issues and the unwillingness of the large companies to take the time to "clean up" their stock. It is being replaced by another white potato, the name of which I can't currently remember because I was given a small bag of them by a customer last year and they were so utterly unremarkable that to me they had no good traits.

Kennebecks going out is enough to cause a revolution in Indiana and Kentuck.

Tom "here I come to save the day" Wagner this would be a fantastic project for you.