Where to get northern European potato varieties in Toronto?

Question

Whenever I go to Europe, in particular the northern countries (Latvia, Germany, Sweden), I am always amazed about how good the potatoes taste. They tend to be a deep yellow, waxy and full of earthy potato flavour. I know this might be partly due to the soil, but I keep hoping that I might be able to buy similar varieties somewhere here near Toronto. I'm a little tired of buying potatoes that have just been reduced to colour: yellow flesh, white flesh, red skin. Sometimes it's even hard to find plain old Yukon Gold anymore, which is the closest variety I could find. But what about the real European varieties, anyone got some sources in or around Toronto?

Answer

Importation isn't allowed without a licence (those darn potatoes grow in earth which contains all sorts of things that Agriculture Canada won't allow). That means you have to find them grown here in Canada (or imported from USA - also with a licence). Surprisingly there are well over 200 varieties grown in Canada - it's finding them that's the trick - and I have failed completely (wrote up my search many years ago). So you need to find a grower/farmer that grows them (and also knows the variety). Some do crop up at Farmers' Markets - but not in commercial quantties at retail. You'll just have to 'dig around' and hope to find a farmer - I only found about 10 varieties in total in my 5 year-old search - but found more than that number in a single stall in Ann Arbor, Michigan - but can't bring them back!
Metro 'used' to stock multiple types at premium prices - but my local Metros no longer have them.

Answer

Try Eagle Creek Farms. They have many varieties, but you do have to grow them yourself.
http://www.seedpotatoes.ca/index.htm

Answer

I shop at Brickworks a lot and always see many varieties of heirloom vegetables you won't find in stores. Potatoes are among them. I love Agria potatoes that Vicki's Veggies sells. Just looked them up now, and they seem to be originating in Germany. http://www.europotato.org/display_description.php?variety_name=agria

I'm sure you will be able to find what you're looking for there, or at least ask the farmers about it. 

And please report back, I'd love to know more myself.

Answer

There are so many potato varieties it will make your head spin. You really need to know what variety(ies) you were eating in Europe. Here is a list with some descriptions :

http://potatoes.wsu.edu/varieties/vars-all.htm

Seeds of Diversity Canada has an online catalog of almost all varieties of vegetables available in Canada. If you find a Potato variety you like, contact the producer(s), or check their website, to see where their potatoes are available.

http://www.seeds.ca/sl/csci/index.php?psp=Potato

SofD is a fantastic resource. Worth the donation to become a member too. 

PS Just planted 9 varieties in the garden. Now is the time to plant.

Answer

Varieties are hit and miss here, but right now, in July, you can get best flavor from new potatoes, within 24 hours harvest.
Ask at the market, or bug your neighbors. They won't last long.

Answer

Another resource for unusual potatoes is the Canadian Potato Repository. I haven't tried getting potatoes from them personally, so I don't know how difficult it is, but I am told it is possible.

http://www1.gnb.ca/0029/00290064-e.asp

There are many many other varieties grown by private gardeners accross Canada and you might be able to locate a particular variety through a garden seed exchange group.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/excan/

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/cornucop/nph-ind.cgi?type=exch

Answer

I have a book which illustrates and comments upon some 180 varieties of Potato. Yet all I can find in Stores are white potatoes, yellow potatoes and occasionally red potatoes. The only Brand is Yukon Gold. It is a bit like buying a car based purely upon its colour, which is ridiculous. I used to grow my own but I am now too elderly but again I could not purchase any variety. Once while visiting England I was able to eat some "Jersey Gold" potatoes. I shall never forget the total and sheer delight of the flavour - all I wanted was some more! Why cannot we in this rich and hopefully cultured Country persuade our Governments, Growers and above all, Stores and Supermarkets to provide us with the VARIETIES? If they can do it Europe WHY CANNOT WE? It is done with apples, and my guess is we eat more potatoes than apples!!! Regards, Sefton

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Where to get northern European potato varieties in Toronto?

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