How are the potatoes in groceries in your locale? I have observed that in the last few years the quality and availability of spuds in local groceries has greatly declined. They have gone from poor to abysmal. Golds, Reds, Russets and sweet potatoes. None of them are worth buying these days. They are soft, begin to sprout within a few days of purchase, are black inside when cut and turn green quickly.
Granted, potatoes are not in season right now and we are getting spuds that have been in storage since last Fall. But, that does not explain the years long dearth of quality potatoes. A google search has revealed that climate factors such as drought, flooding and lack of sunlight due to the forest fires in Western Canada have effected quality and yields.
I have been reduced to buying frozen french fries. Something I have never done before. I have found that ORE-IDA fries are too salty, and taste horrible as they have been deep fried in rancid oil.
Kroger store brand FF's are no better . Again. too salty, cooked in rancid oil.
ALEXIA sweet potato FF no better. Salty, greasy, limp and soggy.
Have found one brand that is not too bad. Safeway Signature Select store brand. Not too salty, taste fresher.
I am eagerly awaiting the harvest of Alaska potatoes in October to have some fresh, local produce. I feel a spud binge coming on.
During the early years of the pandemic, farmers were dumping their potatoes as restaurants and schools were closed and they lost the market for their produce. What a crime and a shame.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALtfQVbHtM0&t=1s
Edited by - Sheenjack on 09/10/2024 16:02:33
The white padayduhs here are pretty good..
I agree, and, apply the same disappointment with much produce. Shelf life of much produce has shortened, flavor diminished, and textures saddened.
More and more farmers market booths and products are fake. Smart shopping is necessary to find good produce, anymore!
I think that one of the problems is that at some point produce gets put in a freezer before it's set out for us to buy. One time I picked up a frozen onion. I don't know too much about the internal workings of onions, but I don't think that freezing them does them any good.
quote:. you really don't know your onions do you?
Originally posted by J e f fI think that one of the problems is that at some point produce gets put in a freezer before it's set out for us to buy. One time I picked up a frozen onion. I don't know too much about the internal workings of onions, but I don't think that freezing them does them any good.
No problems here. My usual Maris Pipers are fine and this years Jersey Royals were as good as usual. There is a problem up the tracks. Most of our seed potatoes come from Scotland, where the cold winters clean the soil. Global warming and warmer winters is affecting this. So we may have to get used to new nematode resistant varieties.
On onions: I uaually have loose reds and yellows in the veg rack. But I also have a bug bag of sliced onions in the freezer for emergencies. Can't tell the difference when cooked. But a bit too floppy when thawed to use raw.
I've also noticed problems with potatoes, mostly russets. I've shopped at Walmart, United, HEB and at times, the potatoes were so bad that I wouldn't buy them and like the OP, resorted to frozen fries.
I've hunted through many russets just trying to find one that didn't have bad spots or had a slash in it, I presume from harvesting. I've baked potatoes and cut them open and found the middle was spoiled.
I've bought the baby potatoes, both white and red and found if you don't use them within a week or so, they start to rot!
What used to be a staple for the table is now becoming something I just don't want any more.
Given variability in weather, there is always variability in produce year to year. Don't know how that translates to grocery store supplies, but I can say that my garden in southern Michigan has produced some of the best tasting potatoes (Pontiac Reds and Yukon Golds) I've had in 20 years. They're so creamy you don't need much butter.
quote:
Originally posted by Dempsey-T2quote:. you really don't know your onions do you?
Originally posted by J e f fI think that one of the problems is that at some point produce gets put in a freezer before it's set out for us to buy. One time I picked up a frozen onion. I don't know too much about the internal workings of onions, but I don't think that freezing them does them any good.
My parents never told me about onions. Ducks, yes, but not onions.
Lately, my local grocery store has been out of some staples I typically use.
Or maybe it's my timing.
