Harvest of Warba potatoes in British Columbia signifies the beginning of summer

BC Fresh started harvesting its Warba Potatoes early this year. It is the earliest harvest that most people can remember.

Brian Faulkner with BC Fresh:

“We started harvesting our Warba New Nugget potato variety the week of May 9.”

“We’ve had an exceptional spring and the crop is two weeks ahead of schedule.”

Early season variety

Every year Warba’s are the first new potatoes harvested in Canada. It is an heirloom variety from the 1920s and differs from a regular potato as the first Warba’s are harvested immature without a skin. As the name New Nugget reveals, Warba’s are a smaller variety, varying in size from 1 inch to 2.25 inches.

Skinless

Warba’s are harvested skinless through the end of June. With skinset they are a little hardier and available into August. Warba’s don’t require much preparation time. They just need a light rinse and after being steamed, a bit of butter, salt & pepper and your favorite fresh herbs make for a delicious potato. They are also a great ingredient for a lightly dressed potato salad.

Faulkner:

“Warba’s need to be stored in the fridge as their high moisture content will oxidize quickly on the kitchen counter. They need to be treated like a vegetable.”

Last year, BC Fresh launched a Grab ‘n Go pouch bag that allows for quicker merchandising and reduced shrink. Eight packs are shipped in a 20 lb. carton. Many retailers in Western Canada have planned Warba promotions for the upcoming long weekend when Canada celebrates Victoria Day on May 23rd.