Happy harvest The perfect process
As summer turns to autumn, it’s the perfect time to enjoy quality British produce – something the folk at Tyrrells Court Farm know all about
From cabbage and beetroot to sprouting broccoli and potatoes, lots of delicious produce is in season in the UK right now. And, of course, there are so many benefits to taking care with your ingredients and eating seasonal, locally-grown produce – not least its wonderfully superior taste.
Tyrrells understands first-hand the value of harvesting locally. After all, Tyrrells still makes its hand-cooked potato crisps at Tyrrells Court Farm, in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside. As it gears up for another harvest season, let’s take a look at what goes into making these delicious, hand-cooked English potato crisps.
If you pick up a packet of Tyrrells crisps now, you’ll be tucking into some tasty Lady Rosetta potatoes, which are at their best between July and November. Their distinctive, beautiful red skin curls perfectly when cooked. Many elements go into producing perfect potatoes, and Tyrrells has got it down to a fine art over the decades.
Field selection is paramount, predominantly for soil type, as different potato varieties perform differently depending on its makeup. Seed rate is also important, as it determines the amount of potatoes planted within one hectare. But above all, the biggest influence on potato quality is the weather. Ideal planting temperatures range from 8C upwards, ideally with 100 days of growth, with warm sunny days and rain at night.
Once harvested, the potatoes are either taken directly to Tyrrells Court Farm or stored away, before they are made into delectable hand-cooked crisps. Here, the expert fryers cook them in small batches, turning them by hand, making sure every single crisp is perfectly cooked. At this point, the finest ingredients are used to create the seasonings we all know and love, such as Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar and Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper. So next time you’re feeling peckish, why not pick up a packet?