An ancient local heritage

Potatoes were first grown on the island of Noirmoutier at the end of the 18th century. The special characteristics of this production were soon recognized throughout France and on the English market. Today, production of the "Pomme de terre de Noirmoutier" corresponds to a collective organization of producers, within a dynamic cooperative system, which has built up the reputation of this product over the last 80 years and made it a genuine local heritage.

A restricted production area bathed in an island microclimate

The "Pomme de Terre de Noirmoutier" is grown on around 450 hectares of sandy soil, between sea and salt marsh, in the mild, sunny climate of the small Vendée island covering an area of 48 km2. Its main characteristics, such as the earliness of the first productions, a short period of cultivation in the open ground, the fineness of its skin and a low dry matter content, are intimately linked to the properties of the light, filtering soils which, by heating up quickly, ensure rapid development of the tubers.

Tradition and know-how of the island's growers

Early preparation of the soil in small ridges, mastery of irrigation systems, fine selection of varieties with predominantly yellow flesh and adapted to the island context (Sirtema, Bonnotte, etc.), pre-germination of seedlings are all skills, often passed down through generations of growers, that contribute to its quality. The mastery of harvesting carried out from mid-March onwards, as well as transport and preparation methods, also guarantee the freshness and full respect of this fragile product before shipping.

A thin-skinned, melt-in-the-mouth, sweet potato

On the market from early spring onwards, it benefits from a thin skin that peels off easily before cooking. Its low dry matter content and moderate size make it ideal for browning or steaming, revealing its melt-in-the-mouth texture and sweet flavor. Gourmets will enjoy it seasoned with a touch of fleur de sel de l'île or enhanced with a dab of salted butter.