Once upon a time, we grew a lot of potatoes here in the Yampa Valley. Or, more specifically, on the hillsides above the valley floor. Emerald Mountain is known to have grown a particularly abundant crop.
Then it stopped.
Until now.
Elkhead Ranch spends the summer growing potatoes in North Routt so you can enjoy them all winter long. Photo: Jennie Lay
A few months ago, I mentioned in a Steamboat Magazine story a local cattle ranch that dug up an experimental plot to grow potatoes and sold them to friends and acquaintances around the valley last year. This summer, I started to feel like Elkhead Ranch’s personal potato stalker – scoping out potential inventory as they were buying seed potatoes, worrying with them that the long spring rain and early summer frost might have done the fledgling potatoes in, hoping there would be some semblance of a crop for a winter potato stockpile.
Turns out, they successfully grew potatoes around here a century ago for a good reason. A mere 59 frost-free days didn’t really matter. Elkhead Ranch has officially harvested loads of delicious purple majesties, all blue and mountain rose potatoes. About 2,000 pounds of exotic, colorful potatoes grown without pesticides, herbicides or a truck trip across the country.
Local potatoes in unconventional hues. Photo: Jennie Lay
Having sampled them all, I’m happy to certify them DELICIOUS. Even better, they’re beautiful. I made a quiche with little purple potato bombs inside that not only looked amazing but added a delicious flavor sensation. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the camera to that creation before it was devoured. I did, however, grab a shot of the prettiest mashed potatoes I’ve ever made in my life.
Yup, naturally lavender and pink mashed potatoes. I left all the skins on too. Note that these potatoes cook faster than those regular ole' Russets. Photo: Jennie Lay
Buy Elkhead Ranch’s potatoes in five- and 10-pound burlap bags (or bigger upon special request) that are sealed with a simple homemade tag that bears the ranch’s brand and their name. They’re $2 per pound and they’ll store all winter long if you keep them in a dry, dark, cool place (wood crates good; plastic bad). Or leave them in the cute bags and give them as presents to the rest of your local foodie friends this fall.
Call Heather at 970.276.3920 to get your potato delivery. She’ll head down from the ranch to meet buyers downtown Steamboat Springs for pickups.
Get your potatoes direct from the ranch. Photo: Jennie Lay
