New Potato Variety Arrives At U.K. Supermarkets Wearing the Royal Purple

A purple potato rich in the anthocyanins that give blueberries and blackberries their deep color has hit supermarkets in the U.K. The Purple Majesty potato, grown in Scotland, is “ideal for making deep purple chips, purple mash and purple roasted potatoes” and can be boiled or micro-waved, according to British supermarket Sainsbury's. The nutrient-rich potato, which was bred by scientists at the University of Colorado and is grown by Albert Bartlett, retains its color during cooking. The colorful spud is a naturally occurring variation crossed from original potato varieties. Only 400 tons have been harvested this year, but plans are underway to boost crop volumes next year, Sainsbury’s said.