It’s a sure sign of spring when Jersey Royals become available – grown on the Channel Island of Jersey, where the mild climate allows their precocious growth well ahead of mainland early potatoes, Jersey Royals are the only British vegetable to have a Protected Designation of Origin. i.e. if it’s not from Jersey it’s not a Jersey Royal. Jerseys are best eaten with the skin left on as that’s where their unique flavour and high vitamin C content resides.. Just rinse them under the tap and rub them between your fingers – don’t scrub as this will rupture the skin. Boil with a pinch of salt for 15 minutes, drain and leave them with the lid on for a few minutes. Eat them on their own to best enjoy their slightly nutty, sweet taste, or drizzle with olive oil and add garlic, fresh herbs and black pepper for variation.
(Words by Katy Brown).