Ratte Potato

If you’re looking for a potato with exceptional flavor and texture, you should try the ratte potato. Creamy and buttery, this French heirloom variety is a favorite among chefs and gardeners for good reason. Its unique qualities make it worth the extra effort to find and grow. Let’s look at why this spud is so special and how you can succeed with it in your own garden.

Often called “La Ratte,” this potato has a distinct, elongated shape with a slight curve, resembling a fingerling. Its skin is thin and yellow, while the flesh is a firm, waxy yellow. The real magic happens when you cook it. The texture is dense and smooth, holding its shape beautifully, while the flavor is rich and nutty. It truly lives up to its reputation for being creamy and buttery without any added ingredients.

Why Grow Ratte Potatoes?

You might wonder why choose this specific heirloom over common supermarket varieties. The answer is in the eating experience. While many potatoes are bred for yield or storage, the Ratte is bred for superior taste and culinary performance. It’s also a conversation starter! Growing heirlooms helps preserve genetic diversity in our food supply. Here’s a quick list of its benefits:

Superior Flavor: Unmatched nutty, buttery taste that shines in simple preparations.
Excellent Texture: Holds shape in salads and roasts, yet becomes creamy in mashes.
Garden Interest: Its unique shape and story add charm to your garden harvest.
Market Value: If you sell produce, they command a premium price at farmers’ markets.

How to Plant and Grow Ratte Potatoes

Growing Ratte potatoes is similar to other varieties, but they do have some specific needs. They are a mid-season crop, typically ready in about 80-100 days. Start with certified disease-free seed potatoes from a reputable supplier. Don’t use grocery store potatoes, as they may be treated to prevent sprouting.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Chitting (Pre-sprouting): Place your seed potatoes in a cool, bright place for 2-4 weeks before planting. This encourages strong, short sprouts.
Soil Preparation: Potatoes need loose, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Work in compost or aged manure a few weeks before planting. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.0 and 6.5.
Planting Time: Plant in early spring, once the soil has warmed to about 45°F (7°C). Space them about 12 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart.
Planting Depth: Plant the seed potatoes about 3-4 inches deep, with the sprouts facing upward.
Hilling: As the plants grow to about 6 inches tall, mound soil around the stems, leaving just the top leaves exposed. Repeat this every few weeks. This protects the developing tubers from sunlight and supports higher yields.

Caring for Your Potato Plants

Consistent care is key to a good harvest. Water is crucial, especially when the plants are flowering, as this is when tubers are forming. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. A layer of straw or hay mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. They need a balanced fertilizer at planting, but to much nitrogen will lead to lots of leaves and few potatoes. Watch for common pests like Colorado potato beetles and signs of disease like blight.

Harvesting and Storing Your Crop

You can harvest “new” Ratte potatoes carefully by hand about 2-3 weeks after the plants finish flowering. For mature potatoes for storage, wait until the plant vines have completely died back. Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil, starting far from the main stem to avoid spearing tubers. Let the potatoes cure on the soil surface for a few hours, out of direct sunlight.

For storage, brush off excess dirt—do not wash them. Place them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place with high humidity. A basement or root cellar around 38-40°F (3-4°C) is ideal. Stored properly, your Ratte potatoes can last for several months.

Best Ways to Cook Ratte Potatoes

The Ratte’s waxy, firm flesh means it won’t fall apart easily. This makes it perfect for dishes where you want the potato to keep its shape. Because their flavor is so good, simple cooking methods work best. Here are some classic preparations:

Steaming or Boiling: Preserves their delicate texture. Toss with a little good olive oil, salt, and fresh herbs.
Roasting: Their high sugar content allows them to caramelize beautifully. Halve lengthwise, toss with oil, and roast until golden and crispy.
Potato Salad: The ultimate test. They hold their shape and absorb dressing without becoming mushy, creating a superior salad.
Mashing: While they are waxy, they can be mashed into a incredibly smooth and dense puree. They require less butter and cream to achieve a rich flavor.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Every gardener faces issues. Ratte potatoes can be susceptible to scab if your soil is too alkaline. Maintaining a lower pH helps. They are also not the highest-yielding variety, so don’t expect a massive harvest from each plant—the reward is in the quality. Also, because they are an heirloom, they might be slightly less resistant to some diseases than modern hybrids, so crop rotation is essential. Never plant potatoes in the same spot more than once every three years.

FAQ About Ratte Potatoes

What is a Ratte potato best for?
Its creamy and buttery texture is best for dishes where the potato is the star, like salads, roasts, or simple steamed sides.

Are Ratte potatoes the same as fingerling potatoes?
Ratte is a specific type of fingerling potato. All Rattes are fingerlings, but not all fingerlings are Rattes. The name refers to its particular shape and variety.

Where can I buy Ratte potato seeds?
Look for online specialty seed potato companies or check with local nurseries that carry heirloom varieties in late winter.

Can I grow Ratte potatoes in a container?
Yes, you can. Use a large container (at least 10 gallons) with excellent drainage. Follow the same planting and hilling process, using a quality potting mix.

Why are my Ratte potatoes not very creamy?
Harvest timing and cooking method affect this. Overly mature or poorly stored potatoes may lose some texture. Also, avoid overcooking them; steam just until tender.

Adding the Ratte potato to your garden plan is a decision you won’t regret. Its exceptional culinary qualities make the gardening process incredibly rewarding. With proper soil, consistent care, and simple cooking, you’ll enjoy one of the finest potatoes available. The experience of digging up your own harvest of these gourmet tubers is a genuine pleasure for any gardener who loves good food.