Comber Earlies

[2] They enjoy the status of protected geographical indication (PGI) since 2012 and are grown by the Comber Earlies Growers Co-Operative Society Limited.

[3][4][5][6][7] The term applies to immature potatoes harvested between early May and late July in the area surrounding Comber.

[8][9] This area, sheltered by the Mourne Mountains and Ards Peninsula and protected from frost by the saltwater of Strangford Lough, has a distinctive microclimate, allowing an early potato harvest and a distinctive sweet, nutty flavour.

[10] Comber Earlies are not a variety of potato, they can be of many varieties, but are named solely after the location at which they are grown.

[11] Comber potatoes have long been linked with the Ulster Scots planters the Hamiltons and Montgomerys.