Kestrel

Kestrel is a second-early maincrop potato bred in Scotland and introduced in the 1990s, popular in the United Kingdom for both kitchen use and competitive showing because of its handsome appearance. The oval tubers have smooth cream skin splashed with distinctive purple-blue markings around the eyes, giving them a striking two-tone look. The pale flesh is firm and holds together well, making Kestrel a good boiler, masher, roaster, and chipper. It is valued for its consistent, uniform tuber size and heavy yields, and it shows good resistance to slug damage and to some common potato diseases. Because it resists blackening after cooking, it is prized by exhibition growers and market gardeners alike.