La Bonnotte potato from Noirmoutier, reputed by international Chefs
The Bonnotte potato from Noirmoutier is a delicious rarity with only 80 tonnes harvested each year. This small golden potato has an incredible reputation amongst countless top chefs. Listed on the inventory of the world potato varieties as “Bonnotte de Noirmoutier”!
L'Ile de Noirmoutier’s star prize is the "Bonnotte" potato, a variety of early potatoes which has become the speciality of the island since its introduction in the 20’s and 30’s. At that time, it was sometime called "bonnette", "bounotte" or "bonnet".This old traditional variety is catalogued as the "bonnotte de Noirmoutier" in the official French potatoes varieties catalogue since 2012.
A small, round golden potato which has a firm and tender flesh and can only be kept for a few days. This little potato is planted at Candlemas and not harvested until mid-May. It is grown in very sandy soil and enriched with seaweed which gives it’s a very delicate distinctive flavour. The bonnotte accounts for just 80 tonnes of the 12,000 tonnes of potatoes harvested on the island each year, making it therefore quite rare. These 80 tonnes are collected by hand as the bonnotte is fragile. Today this famous little “spud” has a fantastic reputation amongst some of the world’s top chefs.
Bonnotte Potato Festival – Noirmoutier
For the last fifteen years or so, in May, the island of Noirmoutier celebrates the island's famous "bonnotte" potato. Young producers provide demonstrations of the traditional gentle harvesting methods. A dinner is held in the cooperative, with musical entertainment.
Did you know?
To maintain the bonnotte’s salty taste, do not overcook it. It goes very well with shellfish, fish or with salt crusted meat.