[rowlandwells]

can anyone tell me why when we cook new potatoes they mash up is it the variety or the ground are we cooking them to long we are cooking the new potatoes the same time as we normally do but this variety seems to just break up the variety we grew as early potatoes this season where maris Bard has anyone had the same problem ?

[mumofstig]

Cook until they're only just done, keep testing the first lot, so you know how long to cook them the next time.
Each variety seems to be different, each year 

[AnneB]

I generally get better results if I steam new potatoes rather than boil them.

[Growster...]

I find that if you boil them (PJ earlies), with the skin still on, they tend to disintegrate, but after a scrape or a peel, they don't!

I'm wondering about using the rotisserie to bake a couple of the big ones, but have never tried before...

:0~

[Blewit]

It's the starch content within the cells of the potato that causes them to break up. Starch content (like rice) swells when cooked and the amount in the potato varies year on year, not only from one variety to another but also due to weather conditions, water, feed and soil type. Amazing really that we ever get potatoes similar to the ones we've grown before.

[rowlandwells]

thanks for your replies  comments that are duly noted RW

[billywhizz]

I often microwave new potatoes in a bowl covered in cling film with a splash of water and sprinkle of salt.
Works every time for me

[Growster...]

I often microwave new potatoes in a bowl covered in cling film with a splash of water and sprinkle of salt.
Works every time for me

Interesting, Blewit!

What sort of bowl (plastic or other?) and for how long?

[billywhizz]

We use a deep ceramic bowl/serving dish/pyrex.
Around 10 or 12 mins usually does it,test with a knife,looking forward to getting home now for new pots 

[Growster...]

We use a deep ceramic bowl/serving dish/pyrex.
Around 10 or 12 mins usually does it,test with a knife,looking forward to getting home now for new pots 

Thanks Billywhizz! (Apols for getting your name wrong - I was interested in both the posts)!