The new season’s fingerling potato crop looks outstanding for Heyburn, Idaho’s Southwind Farms. The company reports excellent quality, consistent sizing and good yields. Harvesting as of last week, the company’s packing and shipping operation is in full swing. With customers anxious for the new crop, Southwind Farms expects a favorable market and consistent demand for the season.
“Since the fingerling category is small, it is difficult to estimate national supplies, but reports indicate that there has been a decrease in acreage in Colorado, which may result in decreased availability for yellow fingerlings, also known as Russian Banana fingerlings,” said Southwind Farms partner Robert Tominaga. “This will definitely have a positive impact for our market. So far, the vibe is good and our customers are eager for the new crop. We are doing our best to make sure they have access to the sizes, colors and packaging types they need.”
According to Tominaga, the market looks to be above last year. The company hopes that fact holds true throughout the season. Fingerling potatoes continue to be on the upswing for foodservice and in-home dining. Many foodservice operations and home chefs have turned to the specialty potato for ease of preparation, plating appeal and unique flavor profile.
In an Aug. 19, 2015 “HuffPost Taste” article, it was noted that the highly acclaimed and former White House executive chef Frank Ruta touts fingerling potatoes on his menu at his new restaurant, The Grill Room, located in Washington, D.C.’s Capella Georgetown.
“We are amazed when we Google fingerling potatoes and we see endless in-home recipes and foodservice menu features,” Tominaga said. “It’s exciting and we hope that professional chefs and in-home cooking enthusiasts will look to Southwind Farms for quality fingerling potatoes. With years of farming experience and dedication, we produce a crop we love, and we are so fortunate that America has fallen in love with fingerling potatoes too.”
Southwind Farms can be contacted at (208) 436-8164 or www.southwindpotatoes.com.