Comber  is famed for the quality of its potatoes which are grown in the fertile soils in the surrounding area.  Sheltered by the Mourne Mountains and the Ards Peninsula and its close proximity to the salty sea air of Strangford Lough, the low lying fields have a reduced risk of frost in the winter months.  This unique micro climate, combined with well-drained gravely soil, means that potatoes can be harvested earlier than any other parts of Northern Ireland.

The first crop of potatoes, the Comber Earlies, are dug up in May or June and are prized for their distinctive earthy, nutty flavour and their characteristic paper-thin skin. 

In January 2012, Comber Earlies were granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status under European Law.  This means that only new season potatoes harvested from the fields of Comber and the surrounding designated area can be marketed and sold as Comber Earlies.  With PGI status, the humble Comber ‘spud’ joins an elite group of high quality European products, including Parma ham, Champagne wine and Stilton cheese.

For more information please visit http://www.comberearlies.com/