Grown near Nieppe Forest, the Merville potato bears the Label Rouge and PGI certifications, and is mostly produced in the Lys Valley, Pas-de-Calais and Nord. It derives from a very specific variety, the Bintje, which has been grown there since 1935. Developed in the Netherlands in the early 20th century, this is an inexpensive potato that can be stored for a long time, and has a floury centre.
Oblong-shaped with a pale yellow centre, the Merville potato is grown in a clay loam soil. Considered an upmarket product, it can be used to make chips, mash, stews and gratins.