A century ago or so, the Mallorcan potato (Solanum tuberosum) evolved from being a traditional crop destined for local consumption to a product for export. Since then, Mallorcan potatoes turned into one of the most important crops in the Balearic Islands with a yield of 40,000 t annually, distributed in over 1,000 ha and mostly located in the Sa Pobla region of the island. Mallorcan potatoes and its early varieties are amongst the first potatoes harvested in Europe. Nowadays, they can be found in the best European supermarkets, although according to some sources, up to 80 percent of the potato production from Sa Pobla is destined for the UK.

Mallorcan potato varieties include Royal Kidney, Lady Cristal, Maris Baard, Maris Peer, Accord, Accent, Charlotte and Folva. Mallorcan potatoes need between 90 and 120 days to mature, depending on the variety. There are two potato harvests per year in Mallorca, one in April/May and one in August/September. 

The field in my photo is already prepared for planting the new crop within the next two to three weeks, I believe.

As part of the forthcoming Fira de Tardor, Sa Pobla stages a special potato presentation on November 29th and 30th. Apparently the year 2008 is the United Nations International Year of the Potato, and Sa Pobla as Mallorca’s potato capital is joining in the festivities. 

We love to eat Mallorcan potatoes in our family. However, we buy our produce locally. Our potatoes do not come from Sa Pobla, but from the area of Los Huertos, near s’Horta, between the mountain of the Santueri castle and Cala d’Or.

The photo was taken near Sa Pobla, Mallorca, Spain. The date: November 16th, 2008. The time was 16:38:45.