Le Bonnotte is one of the world's most expensive potato, grown on the Île de Noirmoutier, an island in the Bay of Biscay. These rare potatoes grow in sandy soil that absorbs the ocean scent and is fertilized with seaweed and algae.
The fragile and delicate Bonnottes are picked exclusively by hand, one by one, during only one week per year, which explains the high price per kilogram.
They shouldn't be peeled, as the skin absorbs all of the aromas and flavors of the soil and the nearby seawater.
The flavor is slightly lemony, with a salty aftertaste and a hint of walnuts. These potatoes can be used for the preparation of purées, salads, soups, and creams.
Harvest: May 6 – May 18
Annual production: 100 t
Cultivated space: 5 hectares
BONNOTTE DE NOIRMOUTIER
Potato Variety Information
Variety Name: Bonnotte de NoirmoutierRights Holder | Breeder: Country of Origin: 
FrankrijkYear of of introduction:
FrankrijkYear of of introduction: Variety Description
Origin and Breeding History
Originally from Barfleur, this small round potato was established on the island between the two wars. Its production had been abandoned when mechanization began, because too fragile and small, the Bonnotte de Noirmoutier had to be picked up by hand, which was not profitable. Since then, it has made a comeback on our plates!
The Bonnotte de Noirmoutier, a local variety par excellence, is anchored in the memory of the Noirmoutrins.
A variety known for its historical character, its story begins in the 1920s and 1930s, when a shrewd grower brought back in his luggage a new variety of potato from the Barfleur region, in the Manche department. It took its first steps on the island under the names of “Bounotte”, “Bonnette” or even “Bonnet”. However, it will quickly assert itself on the island and for export under the name of "Bonnotte".
However, around 1960, the Bonnotte de Noirmoutier disappeared with the arrival of the era of mechanization. Too fragile, it can only be planted and picked up by hand. It is 35 years later that the growers of the island of Noirmoutier, having never forgotten the woman who is at the origin of their fame, decide to bring it back to life.
To meet its challenge, the Cooperative Agricole de Noirmoutier turned to INRA in Brest, which, in its laboratories, has recreated this prestigious tuber from the past in an identical manner.
The Noirmoutrin farmers were thus able, from 1995, to plant the seeds of the Bonnotte and, as in the past, to harvest it by hand. It is 1 year later that the gold nugget returns to the market. It was declared the most expensive potato in the world at an auction at Drouot.
Brought up to date, it offers a new lease of life to consumers enthusiastic about its originality.
It is now considered a universal ambassador of the primeur know-how of the island of Noirmoutier!
The Bonnotte de Noirmoutier, a local variety par excellence, is anchored in the memory of the Noirmoutrins.
A variety known for its historical character, its story begins in the 1920s and 1930s, when a shrewd grower brought back in his luggage a new variety of potato from the Barfleur region, in the Manche department. It took its first steps on the island under the names of “Bounotte”, “Bonnette” or even “Bonnet”. However, it will quickly assert itself on the island and for export under the name of "Bonnotte".
However, around 1960, the Bonnotte de Noirmoutier disappeared with the arrival of the era of mechanization. Too fragile, it can only be planted and picked up by hand. It is 35 years later that the growers of the island of Noirmoutier, having never forgotten the woman who is at the origin of their fame, decide to bring it back to life.
To meet its challenge, the Cooperative Agricole de Noirmoutier turned to INRA in Brest, which, in its laboratories, has recreated this prestigious tuber from the past in an identical manner.
The Noirmoutrin farmers were thus able, from 1995, to plant the seeds of the Bonnotte and, as in the past, to harvest it by hand. It is 1 year later that the gold nugget returns to the market. It was declared the most expensive potato in the world at an auction at Drouot.
Brought up to date, it offers a new lease of life to consumers enthusiastic about its originality.
It is now considered a universal ambassador of the primeur know-how of the island of Noirmoutier!
Companies Offering this Variety
News for this Potato Variety
augustus 03, 2011
Tesco sells 'La Bonnotte' potato variety grown on Jersey
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mei 28, 2009
Create your own 'Bonnotte' and charge the Potato Price you want
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