Potato Varieties

More Than Just a Potato

Not all potatoes are created for the same job. Although they may look relatively similar when sitting in a grocery store bin, different potato varieties can have dramatically different textures, flavors, colors, and cooking characteristics. Some are ideal for baking, some are better suited for boiling or roasting, and others seem to have been specifically designed by nature to become french fries.

Potatoes can generally be divided into several useful categories based on their texture and starch content. Starchy potatoes tend to become light and fluffy when cooked, while waxy potatoes hold their shape better. All-purpose potatoes fall somewhere in between and can handle a wide variety of cooking methods. Choosing the right potato can make a surprisingly large difference in the finished dish.

Popular Potato Varieties

Russet

The Russet is one of the most recognizable potatoes in the United States. Its brown, rough skin surrounds a high-starch interior that becomes light and fluffy when baked. Russets are excellent for baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, and french fries. If a potato had a driver's license, the Russet would probably list "baking" as its primary occupation.

Yukon Gold

Yukon Gold potatoes have smooth, thin yellow skin and naturally golden flesh. They have a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor. They work especially well for mashed potatoes, roasting, boiling, and other dishes where a rich texture is desirable. Yukon Golds are also an excellent example of why potatoes do not have to be covered in gravy to be interesting.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes have distinctive red skin and relatively firm flesh. Their waxy texture allows them to hold their shape during cooking, making them useful for potato salads, roasting, soups, and boiling. They are particularly attractive when left unpeeled, because their red skin adds color to the finished dish.

Fingerling Potatoes

Fingerling potatoes are small, elongated potatoes that naturally grow into unusual finger-like shapes. They come in several colors and varieties and are especially popular for roasting. Their small size and distinctive appearance make them a favorite for meals where the potato is supposed to look like it actually tried.

Purple Potatoes

Purple potatoes contain naturally occurring pigments that give their skin and flesh a deep purple or blue-purple appearance. Their flavor varies by variety, but many have a slightly earthy taste. They can be baked, roasted, boiled, or mashed, and they have the useful advantage of making an otherwise ordinary dinner look considerably more dramatic.

Choosing the Right Potato

When selecting a potato, consider what you want the finished dish to be like. For fluffy baked potatoes or crisp french fries, a high-starch Russet is often a good choice. For creamy mashed potatoes, Yukon Golds provide a naturally rich texture. For potato salad or roasted potatoes that need to keep their shape, red potatoes are a useful option. When appearance matters, colorful varieties such as purple potatoes can make a dish stand out.

There is no single potato that is perfect for every situation. Fortunately, this means there is no reason to stop buying potatoes. It is possible, and perhaps even advisable, to conduct extensive personal research in the form of eating several different kinds.

Useful Potato Resources

The Potato Appreciation Society encourages further investigation. The following organizations provide additional information about potatoes, agriculture, growing, and food preparation.