One cannot think of a more versatile vegetable than potatoes. The best way to make a meal more hearty and fulfilling is by adding some potatoes. You can make French fries, parathas, sandwiches, burgers, and so many other dishes with the help of potatoes. It is safe to say that our food world will be incomplete without the existence of potatoes. When we think of a potato, most of us draw an image of a certain type of potato in our head. But you will be surprised to know that there are different varieties of potatoes found around the world, all of which have some specific uses. Today we will be discussing eight different types of potatoes found in the world and what they are specifically used for.
* German Butterball
These potatoes are medium in size and come with golden smooth skin. They have a tender yellow flesh. These are easily available in the market and are one of the most common types of potatoes used in kitchens. It is very easy to bake, steam, fry, and even mash german butterball potatoes. These potatoes have a slightly flaky skin, but you will never find them dry. These are also the first choice for anyone who wants to make a potato salad as they become extremely tender when you cook them. Even though these potatoes become extremely soft upon cooking, they still don't fall apart unlike many other potatoes.
* Cranberry Red
This is another variety of medium-sized potatoes that have a bright red colour on the outside and a pink flesh on the inside. These are used in a variety of salads and are generally steamed or sautéed before serving. The shape of these potatoes is generally cylindrical and they have an irregular surface. You will find these potatoes in medium size. The flavour is very earthy and this variety of potato is perfect for absorbing strong spices and herbs. The waxy texture of these potatoes helps in maintaining their shape even if they're cooked.
Image Credits- Unsplash
* All Blue Potatoes
These potatoes have the colour of a blueberry. These are long dark blue in shape and also have a blue flesh internally. It is known by different names in different countries of the world. These potatoes can be used in making fries and crisps. You can also boil, roast and sauté these potatoes to eat them after sprinkling some spices or herbs. These can also be added to your already-cooked vegetables to increase their nutritional value. These potatoes have an excellent flavour and a very creamy texture.
* Kennebec
Kennebec potatoes have a very thin skin that is dark in colour and you will often see brown spots on the top of these potatoes. The flesh of these potatoes is white. These potatoes are rich in amylopectin. These potatoes taste the best when they're fried as potato, chips or hashbrowns. This is one of the most popular varieties of potatoes that is used by fast food chains. These taste extremely crispy upon being fried. Always make sure that you wash these potatoes properly before cooking them.
* La Ratte
This variety of potatoes has a thin flesh and is golden from the outside. Just like many other potatoes this one also has a waxy yellow flash that keeps its form intact even if you cook it. These potatoes have a hazelnut and buttery flavour and taste extremely delicious when they are roasted. You can use these potatoes to have a barbeque party at home and every one of your guests will enjoy these potatoes.
Video Credits- YouTube
* Yukon Gold
As per sources, this variety of potatoes has been named after the Yukon River in Canada. These potatoes are extremely rich in vitamin C and have a very smooth, textured skin from the outside, which is also rich in amylopectin. These potatoes taste the best when served in the form of a puree or even mashed. These potatoes were developed in the 1960s in the Ontario region of Canada and since then have become popular in different parts of the world.
* Russet
This is another large and oblong variety of potatoes that have rough and spotty brown skin on the outside. These potatoes have an extremely creamy and white flesh from the inside. This is the most popular variety of potatoes used to make French rice. This is because upon frying these potatoes, they become extremely crunchy from the outside and remain tender from the inside. This potato variety can also be used in making a crispy patty for your burger or sandwiches.
Image Credits- Unsplash
* Red Bliss
This is a very common and easily available variety of potatoes. The texture of this potato variety is very moist and has a white flash. The sugar content in these potatoes is generally higher as compared to other potato varieties. This is the ideal potato to use if you want to boil your potatoes and add them to your dish. you may find these potatoes in golden or red colour. this can be the perfect potato variety for cooking your parathas.
These are some of the most common potato varieties available in different parts of the world. Although you can use potatoes for multiple purposes, certain dishes taste the best when you use a particular type of potato variety. Next time you wonder why your home-made French fries aren't the same as your favourite restaurant, then the reason probably is a different variety of potatoes being used by the restaurant.