The PDO Île de Ré Potato

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The Protected Designation of Origin | Ile de Ré Potato

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The potato is produced on the island since the 18th century and it still goes on. The typicity of this spring potato comes from a combination of the Ile de Ré savoir-faire and the selection of the best terroirs.

Its inimitable taste is guaranteed by an official tasting board, supervised by the National Institute of Designation of Origin and Quality (Institut National des Appellations d’Origine et de la Qualité) and certified by Qualisud.

Since 1998, the Ile de Ré Potato benefits from a Protected Designation of Origin. The producers managed to obtain the precious certification label through a hard work of dedication and through the respect of a strict bill of specifications which defines reputed production methods and guarantees an optimal ripeness, in order to constantly improve quality. This bill of specifications especially defines the cultivation methods.

The potatoes are harvested, packed and shipped daily in order to protect their freshness.

    1
  • A marked out terroir within an island territory
  • The producers are allowed to cultivate the PDO Ile de Ré Potato only in specific zones defined for each town.
    2
  • The varieties :
  • Alcmaria
  • Charlotte
  • Léontine

    • learn more

    3
  • The germoir
  • During autumn and winter, the potatoes seedlings start their dormancy. To wake them up and make them grow, the producers place the potatoes in germoirs during four weeks, where they will find ideal conditions of temperatures, light and humidity.
    4
  • Plantation
  • At the beginning of january, the producers prepare the seed bed, a loose soil made to receive the young plants and to ensure a good start for the culture. On the island, the plantation density is deliberately high in order to limit the potato growth so that it can keep its plain gustatory qualities. The PDO Ile de Ré Potato is 100% cultivated in soil and there are about 130 hectares cultivated each year.
    5
  • A harvest at an optimal ripeness and a yield control (lower than 25 tons/hectare)
  • From april, the producers keep a close watch on the potatoes ripeness by measuring their dry matter ratio. This ratio is constantly controlled because it ensures the higher organoleptic qualities and the typicity of this spring vegetable. As soon as the desired dry matter ratio (1) is reached, the potatoes are cautiously harvested : early in the morning to save them from heat, and with gentle machines or by hand to not degrade them. .
    6
  • Packaging and shipment
  • The cooperative is the main packager. The potatoes are carefully washed, selected and calibrated. Everything is done for the potatoes to keep their freshness and qualities. They are then packaged in wood cases, cardboards, fresh packs or nets. All the potatoes certified by the PDO are stamped by the mention “Protected Appellation of Origin Ile de Ré Potato”. This certification is strictly reserved to the producers committed to the PDO “Ile de Ré Potato” Defense Federation and respecting the bill of specifications.

(1) The potato is mainly composed of water. The dry matter is all that is contained in the potato but not water.

The Protected Designation of Origin Ile de Ré Potato
The Protected Designation of Origin Ile de Ré Potato
The Protected Designation of Origin Ile de Ré Potato
The Protected Designation of Origin Ile de Ré Potato
la Pomme de Terre AOP de l'île de Ré
The Protected Designation of Origin Ile de Ré Potato
The Protected Designation of Origin Ile de Ré Potato
The Protected Designation of Origin Ile de Ré Potato
The Protected Designation of Origin Ile de Ré Potato
The Protected Designation of Origin Ile de Ré Potato

The PDO Ile de Ré Potato

A seasonal pleasure, simple & unique