A SUFFOLK-grown spud is going back to its ancient American roots.

Potatoes, which are native to America, were first brought back to Europe by Sir Walter Raleigh.

Now a farm at Bromeswell has grown a variety called Mayan Gold. Potato supplier Greenvale AP bred the spud from a species found in the wilds of Peru.

It is said to “almost identical” to the variety Raleigh brought back for Queen Elizabeth I 400 years ago and requires half the cooking time of modern potatoes.

The potatoes have now gone on sale at Tesco stores, packaged in a festive shiny presentation box, but with only limited supplies they are expected to sell-out quickly.