The historic potato growing district of Robertson is home to many fantastic Southern Highlands producers. Carrying on the tradition of the area are Norm and Robyn from Highland Gourmet Potatoes. Starting in 2006 with nothing more than a shovel and a bag of spuds, they are now seeding and harvesting more than 40 varieties of potatoes themselves. Norm and Robyn place a huge emphasis on freshness, quality and control from seed to sale.
“We dig for the markets every week. We don’t store them, which means there’s no degradation, and that makes us a bit unique,” explains Norm. “Everything is graded when it goes into the bucket. From there it goes into boxes where it’s graded again, and from the boxes it gets graded again when it goes into paper bags. The quality, flavour and the different varieties are what bring people back.”
Norm and Robyn have a constant dialogue with their customers, who range from shoppers at farmer’s markets to high-end chefs. As Robyn explains, “it’s an ongoing and evolving process. We get feedback on what chefs are doing, and we pass that onto other chefs. We ask our customers what they cook, so we can make recommendations. People’s tastes also change – so we’re learning as we go along.”
With a multitude of rare, colourful and distinct varieties like the Sunset Pearl, Toolangi Delight, Otway Red, Crimson Pearl, Midnight Pearl and Pink Fir Apple, Norm and Robyn’s potatoes bring the public a rejuvenated excitement to this historic Highlands product.