How Many Varieties Of Potatoes Are There

Potatoes come in a variety of types.

Potatoes have 575 different varieties placed into one of five categories, according to Washington State University. Cooked and served in a variety of ways, potatoes are high in starch, and each type has a different purpose in cooking. When choosing a type of potato, it is important to know the different cooking capabilities of each.

White Potatoes

White potatoes may be baked, boiled or fried.

White potatoes have two distinct types: long and round. The long white potatoes have a shape similar to russet potatoes and are thin with a pale grey-brown skin and an eye that is difficult to see. Bake, boil or fry this variety. The round white potatoes are small with a freckled brown skin and contain less starch and more moisture then the other varieties. The round white is best when boiled for mashed potatoes.

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are also called old potatoes.

Russet potatoes, also called old potatoes or baking potatoes, have a rough brown skin, an oblong shape and many eyes. They have a low amount of moisture and high starch content, which make it perfect for baking.

Red-Skinned Potatoes

Red potatoes are used for boiling, roasting or frying.

Red-skinned potatoes are similar to the round whites except for their reddish-brown skin. It is cultivated in the Northwest and used mostly for boiling, roasting or frying. They grow mostly midseason, though are available most of the year. The skin has a sweet flavor that complements certain dishes, such as beef.

Yellow Potatoes

Yellow potatoes are also called golden potatoes.

Yellow potatoes, also called gold potatoes, have a skin color that ranges from a buttery yellow to golden. They are mostly used for boiling and have a moist texture making them good for mashed potatoes. They are a relatively new variety of potato, according to the University of Illinois, and are very popular in Europe. They are considered an all-purpose potato in that they work well for most baking needs.

Blue-Purple Potatoes

Referred to as either blue or purple potatoes, this type ranges to color from bluish-purple to purple-black. Their purple or blue flesh makes an excellent accent to any dish. They are usually small with a dense texture good for baking.

Tags: also called, potatoes also, potatoes also called, potatoes have, also called potatoes, boiling roasting, boiling roasting frying