Purple Majesty Potatoes

 PURPLE REIGN

This October, a new purple vegetable is bouncing onto our plates, bursting with natural flavour and colour.

Supplied by Albert Bartlett and grown in Scotland; the Purple Majesty is a brand new potato exclusive to Sainsbury’s and set to really get health fans talking.

As well as providing its show-stopping looks, the naturally occurring deep purple skin and flesh means the delicious potato is also high in anthocyanins, the same compound found in seasonal purple berries and red wine. 

Superb for mashing, roasting, baking and frying, the Purple Majesty has a similar taste to its colourless counterparts but is guaranteed to spark conversation with dinner guests of all ages.

Health benefits

Gillian Kynoch, Head of Development at Albert Bartlett says, “This spud is a real super hero and set to be a firm dinner-table favourite.  The deep colouration is due to a rich source of anthocyanins, which also put the colours in blueberries, blackcurrants, red cabbage and aubergine.

“Potatoes are a great source of low fat energy in the diet and also provide vitamin C, Folic Acid, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc.   The Purple Majesty adds a powerful purple punch to the potato’s already strong nutritional credentials.”   

Background

First bred in Colorado in the U.S, the Purple Majesty’s were mainly sold in specialist health food shops in California.  Only 400 tonnes have been grown in Scotland this year, which means the potatoes are in limited supply and will be stocked in 100 Sainsbury’s stores, until 2011 when a bumper crop is due to be planted.*

Charlotte Parker, Sainsbury’s nutritionist says, “The humble potato has a new lease of life and we expect to see the Purple Majesty as a regular part of the British diet, due to its great taste, ease of cooking and novelty appeal with kids.

“Potatoes are naturally nutritious and are a great source of fibre, vitamins and minerals.   It’s often difficult to get children eating vegetables like aubergine and red cabbage, so these potatoes are a great way of getting more purple onto their plates.” 

Celebrity author and cook, Sally Beeis supporting the launch and helping to demonstrate the potato’s versatility with a delicious recipe guide, free with every purchase.  Sally, who survived the ‘unsurvivable’ when she was struck down with three massive heart attacks at the age of 36, is now a true advocate of eating for a healthy heart.

Sally says, “The purple potatoes are a fantastic way of bringing the plate to life and encouraging children to eat the colours of the rainbow.  As a mother, I know it can be a struggle to get the family eating a balanced diet, but my kids’ eyes definitely light up when I present them with a plate of fluffy purple mash!  If only they knew it was healthy for them too…”

Albert Bartlett Purple Majesty Potatoes 1.25kg, £1.50. 

Each bag comes with an exclusive recipe book, compiled by Sally Bee.