Māori potatoes, or taewa, have a long cultural heritage in New Zealand, with Māori cultivating these unique and colourful varieties for over 200 years. These potatoes stand out from modern varieties due to their knobbly texture, vibrant colours, and diverse shapes. Whether grown in the garden, pots, or containers, Māori potatoes are easy to grow and provide a rewarding harvest. Here's a closer look at some popular taewa varieties and tips for growing them.
Popular Māori Potato Varieties
Whataroa
- Ideal for: Oven-baked wedges, chips, and roasting in jackets
- Maturity: 110-120 days (Main Harvest)
- Tuber Shape: Oblong
- Skin: Light brown with purple patches
- Flesh: Cream with purple flushes
Kowiniwini
- Ideal for: Boiling
- Maturity: 120 days (Main Harvest)
- Tuber Shape: Round
- Skin: Multi-coloured
- Flesh: Cream
Moemoe
- Ideal for: Boiling and baking, excellent mashed with butter, pepper, and parsley
- Maturity: 120-130 days (Main Harvest)
- Tuber Shape: Round Oval
- Skin: Light purple and cream
- Flesh: Cream
Waiporoporo
- Ideal for: Boiling
- Maturity: 110 days (Main Harvest)
- Tuber Shape: Round Oval
- Skin: Multi-coloured
- Flesh: White
Huakaroro
- Ideal for: Boiling, with a buttery taste and good storage
- Maturity: 120 days (Main Harvest)
- Tuber Shape: Round Oval
- Skin: Cream
- Flesh: Cream, deep eyes
Karuparera
- Ideal for: Salads and boiling
- Maturity: 120 days (Main Harvest)
- Tuber Shape: Round
- Skin: Dark purple skin, white eyes
- Flesh: Cream
Urenika
- Ideal for: Baking, roasting, and wedges
- Maturity: 110 days (Main Harvest)
- Tuber Shape: Elongated
- Skin: Dark purple skin
- Flesh: Purple with white flecks
Growing Māori Potatoes – Tips for Success
Site Selection
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Māori potatoes prefer loose, slightly acidic soil.
Soil Preparation
Incorporate plenty of compost into the soil to enrich it with nutrients and avoid heavy clay soils hindering growth.
Planting
- Plant potatoes in early spring when the soil has warmed up, usually a few weeks before the last frost.
- Space tubers about 30-40 cm apart, planting them 10 cm deep, with the sprouting end facing upwards.
- Mound soil around the base of the plant as it grows to prevent the tubers from being exposed to sunlight.
Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to rot.
Weeding and Mulching
Keep the area weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients. Use mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil temperature consistent.
Harvesting
- Harvest when the plants' leaves start to yellow and die back. This typically occurs after 110-130 days, depending on the variety.
- Gently dig up the tubers, being careful not to damage them.
- Allow the potatoes to dry and cure in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks before storing.
Why Try Māori Potatoes
- Diversity in Flavour: With varieties like Urenika and Whataroa, you’ll experience a range of flavours, from waxy and creamy to floury and hearty.
- Cultural Heritage: Growing taewa connects you to New Zealand's rich agricultural history, as these potatoes have been a vital food source for Māori for centuries.
- Easy to Grow: Māori potatoes are well-suited to New Zealand's climate and easy to grow in most garden setups.
Choose a variety of Māori potatoes that suit your tastes and culinary needs, and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your heritage vegetables right at home.
