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'Shetland Black' is a heritage potato that, as the name suggests, was originally grown in the Shetland Isles. It's unknown exactly when it was introduced there, but it was added to the National Collection in 1923. It's a second early potato and produces lots of small- to medium-sized oval tubers. The initial sprouts on the seed potatoes are jet black, later producing dark green foliage and purple-white flowers. The plants don't always flower, but they'll continue to produce new tubers even without flowering. The new tubers have a slightly mottled, very dark blue/purple skin that can make them quite a challenge to dig up when they're covered with equally dark soil! The potatoes are on the small side in comparison with supermarket-bought produce, but they have a delicious taste. The potatoes are floury in texture and so make excellent chips or roast potatoes.