Island Sunshine Potato Supplier

Quick Overview

Island Sunshine is a versatile, yellow-fleshed potato variety prized for its buttery flavor and smooth texture, making it ideal for both home cooking and commercial use. Developed to thrive in coastal and island climates, this variety exhibits excellent resistance to common potato diseases and adapts well to various soil conditions. The tubers are medium-sized with a distinctive golden-yellow skin and vibrant yellow flesh that retains its color when cooked. Island Sunshine is particularly popular in gourmet markets and farm-to-table restaurants due to its visually appealing presentation and rich, creamy taste. Its balanced starch content allows for diverse culinary applications, from boiling and roasting to mashing and frying.

Origin & History

Island Sunshine was developed in the Pacific Northwest of the United States during the early 2000s, specifically bred to perform well in maritime climates with mild, wet winters and cool summers. The variety was created by crossing traditional North American yellow potatoes with European cultivars to enhance flavor and disease resistance. It quickly gained popularity in coastal regions, including Hawaii and the Caribbean, where its adaptability to humid conditions made it a farmer favorite. Over time, Island Sunshine became a staple in organic and sustainable farming systems due to its low reliance on chemical inputs. Today, it is celebrated as a premium table potato, often featured in specialty grocery stores and high-end culinary markets.

Specifications

Island Sunshine potatoes typically have a medium starch content (14–17%), placing them in the “all-purpose” category suitable for a wide range of cooking methods. The tubers are medium-sized (100–180 grams), with a round to slightly oblong shape and smooth, golden-yellow skin. The flesh is firm, moist, and vibrantly yellow, retaining its texture whether boiled, roasted, or fried. This variety matures in 90–110 days, making it a mid-season potato with reliable yields in both conventional and organic systems. It shows strong resistance to common scab and moderate resistance to late blight, reducing the need for fungicides in optimal growing conditions.

Key Characteristics

1. Rich, Buttery Flavor: Island Sunshine is renowned for its naturally creamy taste, which enhances dishes without excessive seasoning.
2. Vibrant Yellow Flesh: The striking color remains vivid after cooking, making it visually appealing for gourmet presentations.
3. Adaptability: Thrives in coastal, humid, and temperate climates, outperforming many traditional varieties in challenging conditions.
4. Disease Resistance: Demonstrates strong resistance to common scab and moderate tolerance to late blight, reducing crop losses.
5. Culinary Versatility: The balanced starch content allows for boiling, roasting, mashing, and even light frying without disintegrating.

Best Uses

Island Sunshine is best classified as an all-around table potato, excelling in boiling, roasting, and mashing due to its creamy texture and rich flavor. It is a favorite for potato salads, as the firm flesh holds its shape well after cooking, and the yellow color adds visual appeal. While it can be used for chips, its medium starch content makes it less ideal for ultra-crispy results compared to high-starch varieties like Agria. The variety is also excellent for grilling and steaming, making it a versatile choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike. Its balanced properties make it unsuitable for starch production but perfect for fresh market sales and gourmet food applications.

Supply Availability

We proudly grow Island Sunshine potatoes on our own farms, utilizing sustainable practices to ensure premium quality and flavor for our customers. In addition to our own production, we partner with trusted growers in coastal regions to supplement supply during high-demand periods, guaranteeing year-round availability. Our flexible packaging options include 10lb consumer bags, 25lb chef’s boxes, and bulk totes for commercial buyers, all handled with care to preserve the potatoes’ exceptional quality from farm to table.

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Key Takeaways

Reliable Supply: Grown on our farms and sourced from partners to meet demand.

All-Purpose Excellence: Perfect for boiling, roasting, mashing, and salads, but not specialized for chips or starch.

Gourmet Appeal: Vibrant color and buttery flavor make it a chef’s favorite.