Potato Types
A Guide to the Different Potato Types
Potatoes are a major subsistence food around the world, and there are several different potato types. Most varieties are good, but each type of potato has their own special qualities.
Round White Potatoes - The Round White potato is a potato type that is available all year long. This type of potato has a medium starch content, and a smooth tan skin with white meat. The Round White can be used for a lot of different potato dishes because they are so versatile. This is a potato that holds its shape after being cooked, and its flesh is creamy and smooth.
The Red Potato – At one time it was not as easy to find red potatoes; they were not in stores all year long and they were expensive. Today, thanks to the fact that the Red Potato is one of the potato types that has become more readily available, you can find them year around and they are not as expensive as they once were. The most unique characteristic of the Red potato is its red skin color; the flesh itself may be white, yellow or red. This type of potato has a moist texture and is smooth and firm. The Red potato is often used for salads, baking, etc.
Russet Potatoes – There is no doubt that the Russet Potato is the most common of potato types in the U.S. The Russet is a potato that has a very high starch content; it has rough brown skin and white flesh. This type of potato is often used for mashed potato dishes and baked potatoes due to the fact that they are so fluffy and light when cooked. If you like roasted or fried potatoes, the Russet is also ideal for these types of dishes too.
The Long White Potato – Long White Potatoes are unique in that they are somewhat oblong shaped. The skin on this potato is thin, and is a light tan in color. These potatoes will have a creamy but firm texture when cooked. They are not available all year around, but you should be able to find them during the spring and summer. The Long White Potato is among the potato types that are very versatile and can be used in all potato dishes.
Purple and Blue Potatoes – Originating in South America and for a long time was relatively rare in the United States but recently purple and blue potatoes have begun to gain in popularity. This type of potato is available during the autumn, and probably won’t be too easy to find. The potato has a purplish blue flesh in different shades, and it has a distinct nutty flavor. The best way to prepare this type of potato is with steaming or baking, plus you can also microwave these potatoes and get good results.
Yellow Potatoes – Due to the fact that the Yellow Potato has become more popular in the United States, they are now available throughout most of the year. This is among the potato types that provide the creamiest texture; the meat of this potato has a golden color and it tastes great. You can use this type of potato for broiling, roasting, steaming, and more. They taste good in a lot of different types of potato dishes.
Depending on personal taste, and the potato dish that you are preparing, you will want to choose among the potato types, the right potato so that you get the best and most delicious results.