When buying potatoes you should carefully inspect them before you buy to make sure you are choosing the best ones. They should be firm and smooth. Do not buy potatoes that are badly wrinkled or cracked and try not to buy ones that have grown sprouts or are starting to go green.
Throughout the year there are three main seasons for potatoes. These are new potatoes (also known as earlies), second earlies and maincrop.
Earlies are planted in January to March and Maincrops in April. Second earlies are planted between these. You can expect to see earlies in supermarkets from May to July. You will be able to get second earlies and maincrops throughout the year.
When you have bought your potatoes take them out of the plastic bags and store in a cool, dark and dry area to prevent them going green. Do not store in the fridge or near food that is strong smelling.