New potato named Nemo created which apparently roasts 25% quicker
An expert named Dr Potato believes they could be the star of Christmas Day
Last updated 8th Dec 2021
A hybrid potato named after the cartoon fish in Finding Nemo could save on roasting time on Christmas Day, according to an expert known as Dr Potato.
Dr David Nelson said it had been a "real labour of love" to work with the new Nemo variety of potato, which looks like the clownfish due to its unusual markings, for the last six years.
He said there is a "limited amount" of the new potato this year, "but enough to cover the all-important Christmas period when roasting potatoes are at their most popular".
The potatoes, which are being sold by Tesco, are being launched by the supermarket in the run-up to Christmas.
The supermarket said demand for roasting potatoes at this time of year rockets by around 500% compared with a normal shopping week.
What are Nemo potatoes?
Nemo potatoes have been grown and developed over the last six years by Branston, one of the UK's largest potato suppliers.
Dr Nelson, who is the agronomy director of Lincolnshire-based growers Branston, said: "We were looking at a variety that would not only taste superb but would also save on roasting time".
The Nemo potato is a natural hybrid that has been developed through carefully crossing a fast-cooking Peruvian variety called Inca Bella and a popular, red-skinned salad variety called Franceline which grows well in the UK climate.
The variety requires less water and fertiliser to grow than other varieties, and is 25% faster to cook, saving energy in the home, according to Tesco.
Potato buyer Hannah Moseley said: "Just about everyone who has tasted the new Nemo variety consider it to be the best roasting potato ever - even better than the King Edward or Maris Piper.
"Not only do they taste wonderfully rich and buttery but they are also light and fluffy on the inside with a beautiful golden crispness on the outside - basically perfect roasties.
"But an added bonus is that they roast about 10 minutes quicker than European varieties.
"We have a limited amount this year for the all-important Christmas period but will then have to wait until more are grown, which will be around September next year."
Where can I get a Christmas dinner for the best value?
While we're going mad over some new potato, the real question to ask is according to their online shops, which supermarket has the cheapest Christmas dinner?
Don't worry, we've got you sorted.
Aldi - £17.50
Turkey (11.21), pigs in blankets (2.49), sprouts (0.79), stuffing (0.29), carrots (0.28), roast potatoes ( 0.75), gravy (0.79) and cranberry sauce (0.45).
TOTAL: £17.05
Morrisons - £17.24
Turkey (11.17), pigs in blankets (2.0), sprouts (0.99), stuffing (0.35), carrots ( 0.35), roast potatoes ( 0.99), gravy (0.69) and cranberry sauce (0.70).
TOTAL: £17.24
Sainsbury's - £18.25
Turkey (13.00), pigs in blankets (1.0), sprouts (1.0), stuffing (0.35), carrots (0.40), roast potatoes (1.0), gravy (0.75) and cranberry sauce (0.75).
TOTAL: £18.25
Asda - £20.06
Turkey (14.50), pigs in blankets (2.25), sprouts (0.85), stuffing (0.90), carrots (0.30), roast potatoes (0.80), gravy (0.50) and cranberry sauce (0.50).
TOTAL: £20.06
Tesco - £30.06
Turkey (23.96), pigs in blankets (2.00), sprouts (0.95), stuffing (0.40), carrots (0.40), roast potatoes (0.60), gravy (0.30) and cranberry sauce (1.45).
TOTAL: £30.06
CO-OP - £37.92
Turkey (28.00), pigs in blankets (3.0), sprouts (1.30), stuffing (1.55), carrots (0.42), roast potatoes (2.25), gravy (0.40) and cranberry sauce (1.0).
Note: 'Co-op Whole Turkey Medium (£28)' was the only whole turkey option available online when we carried out this study.
Total: £37.92
Waitrose - £38.62
Turkey (29.5), pigs in blankets (4.0), sprouts (0.70), stuffing (0.9), carrots (0.65), roast potatoes (1.35), gravy (0.52) and cranberry sauce (1.0).
Note: the price for the turkey above is the average of Waitrose's estimated price (£24.00-£35.00) for their cheapest turkey.
TOTAL: £38.62
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