Purple Potatoes hit Tasmania

MacTavish West has worked with Susie and Gerard Daly of Marion Bay, Tasmania, to develop the packaging and launch two new packs of washed potatoes.  Daly Gourmet Pink Eye Potatoes and Purple Gem Potatoes are heritage potato varieties grown in the sandy soils of Southern Tasmania.

Hazel MacTavish-West, Susie & Gerard Daly.

Photo copyright of The Examiner

The Daly's installed new washing, grading and packing facilities recently, and Susie Daly wanted to develop a punneted potato product for the local market.  Hazel MacTavish-West developed the concept of Daly Gourmet Potatoes, and worked with freelance designers to create the labels and information cards (download the information card for Daly Gourmet Purple Gem Potatoes here).  A press release regarding the launch of the products has been released (click here to read the press release). 

Also see the article in Tas Country, Friday 25th February, by clicking here.

This is what 'Not Quite Nigella' thought of them: http://www.notquitenigella.com/2011/03/04/purple-potato-salad/

It's too early to say how successful these products, the first of their kind in Tasmania, will sell.  But the unique Purple Gem variety (also known as cv 'Sapphire'), will certainly set tongues wagging, with its vibrant purple colour and fabulous taste.  The Dalys already can't keep up with demand for their fabulous brushed Pink Eye potatoes: a unique Tasmanian variety (click here to download the information card for Daly Gourmet Pink Eye Potatoes).

Check out www.dalygourmetpotatoes.com.au , launched to bring these products, and the Daly's range of washed, bagged potatoes (under the 'Eat More Spuds' brand) to the Australian public.

See also Judith Sweet's article in The Mercury on recipes for Purple Gems by clicking here.