Blue Eye Potatoes
While skeptics of controlled environment agriculture (CEA), or indoor farming, often cite the approach as limited to leafy greens and herbs, our blue-eyed potatoes are just one example of how Area 2 Farms is growing more than what is expected, and delivering a variety of greens and rooting and fruiting crops—all grown in our nutrient-rich soil—to our DMV community.
What are Blue Eye Potatoes?
Blue eye potatoes are a cool looking variety of roasting potatoes with smooth, golden skin and deep blue "eyes" that set them apart. Known for their creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor, these potatoes are excellent for roasting, mashing, or adding to hearty dishes. Traditionally grown in open fields, we’re proving that potatoes can thrive in controlled environments, expanding beyond the leafy greens and herbs typically associated with vertical farming.
Potatoes are remarkably diverse, far beyond what is commonly seen in grocery stores. Despite their underground growth, they are not actually roots—these tubers are modified, swollen stems that store nutrients.
Unlike conventional potato farming, which relies on sprawling fields, our blue eye Potatoes grow in carefully tended soil beds within our vertical farm. This approach allows us to cultivate high-quality potatoes in a sustainable, space-efficient way, free from synthetic pesticides. We closely monitor their growth cycle, ensuring they develop their signature creamy texture and distinct flavor before being hand-harvested at peak freshness.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight renders potatoes poisonous and bitter, which is why careful growing and harvesting conditions are essential. By controlling the environment, we ensure that each potato develops properly, maintaining its natural sweetness and avoiding unwanted bitterness.
Farmer Andrew | Area 2 Farms - "Blue Eyes" a new roasting potato variety that is beautiful, easy to cook, and tastes delicious.
How to Prepare Blue Eye Potatoes
These potatoes bring depth and heartiness to many dishes:
Roasting: Toss with olive oil, salt, and fresh herbs, then roast at 400°F until crispy.
Mashing: Boil until fork-tender, then mash with butter and cream for a smooth, rich side dish.
Sautéing: Slice thin and cook in a skillet with garlic and onions for a flavorful addition to any meal.
Adding to Soups: Their firm texture holds up beautifully in broths, making them ideal for hearty winter soups.
Health Benefits
Blue eyed potatoes are packed with essential nutrients, making them a great addition to a balanced diet:
Rich in vitamin C – Supports immune function and skin health.
High in potassium – Helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.
Good source of fiber – Aids digestion and promotes gut health.
Slow-burning carbohydrates – Provides long-lasting energy without spikes in blood sugar.
Natural antioxidants – The blue pigmentation contains anthocyanins, which help fight oxidative stress.
Blue Eye Potato Facts
Potatoes belong to the Solanaceae family, also known as nightshades, which includes tomatoes, bell peppers, chili peppers, eggplants, tomatillos, gooseberries, goji berries, petunias, and even tobacco.
As a result of the devastating Irish and European Potato Famine of 1840-1852, breeders incorporated resistance from wild species into cultivated potatoes. While successful, this hybridization inadvertently led to male sterility in subsequent generations. Today, most modern potatoes are effectively female, making fertile male potatoes a rarity.
Thomas Jefferson helped popularize potatoes in the U.S. by serving them as "French fries" at the White House.
The blue pigmentation in blue eye potatoes comes from natural antioxidants, the same compounds found in blueberries.
We’re one of the few farms pioneering vertical soil-grown potatoes, proving that CEA can go beyond leafy greens.
By growing blue eye potatoes alongside our greens, we’re expanding what’s possible for urban agriculture while continuing to deliver a complete, nutrient-dense harvest to our community. Enjoy the rich flavor, health benefits, and sustainability of these specialy potatoes!
Area 2 Farms for Locals
Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. We’re Area 2 Farms, we grow organic produce, deliver it to your door weekly, and operate all within 10 miles of you.
