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]
History
Comber potatoes have long been linked with the Ulster Scotsplanters the Hamiltons and Montgomerys.[12] The first written mention of potatoes being grown in Ireland, in 1606, mentions Comber.[13]