Potatoes are one of the foods that are usually not lacking in almost every home. But, Did you know that there are different varieties of potatoes? In addition to being the fourth most consumed food (the three in front are corn, wheat and rice), it is also one of the most consumed types.
But do you know the most common? Do you know their features and what are their uses? Check them out below.
The most popular potato varieties
Better known, or less. Because in your house you surely don’t go beyond old, new and red potatoes. Or maybe yes? In both cases, What if we told you about the varieties of potatoes that exist in the world?
monalisa potato
We start with a potato that is characterized by a very low water content. Physically, he is of medium height and has an oval shape. It is quite soft to the touch and its color is generally light.
It is ideal for frying because it accumulates little oil. It is also used for boiling.
Keep in mind that these are early potatoes and that is why they are used for these culinary uses.
sour potato
This is another you could use for frying, especially if you like your potatoes crispy on the outside but soft inside. However, we do not recommend it for cooking.
Physically, it is a potato that has a very thin and clear skin. The pulp is yellow and they are large and oval.
Yukon Gold
Have you heard of one of the most versatile potato varieties for cooking? It can be used both for frying and baking or for the oven.
These are potatoes that have a somewhat rough skin and a darker brown color than the previous ones. In addition, they become a little more reddish. Its skin is quite thick and its size is between medium and large.
universal potato
It may be another of the strains that you won’t have heard much about either. And even it is also ideal for frying. Some also use them for cooking, although the best use is the former.
What most characterizes this type of potato is its pulp, which is very white (usually light yellow to white). The skin is thin and light yellow.
elodie potato
If you usually pay attention to variety when buying potatoes, this is one of the newest on the market, although not easy to find. Its size is medium and it has an oval shape (like many of the above). The skin and pulp are usually yellow and, in terms of flavor, they are creamy. ideal for mashed potatoes or similar.
In fact, it is one of the varieties that most absorbs the flavor of the foods with which it is prepared, which makes it ideal to accompany stews.
Potato from Nagore
This potato is also ideal for frying. However, its appearance may deceive you a bit. Their skin is red at first, but when peeled off, the potato flesh is pale yellow.. It’s quite hearty, so it’s good for frying.
Bintje potato
Do you want a potato totally different from the usual? So you must know this one. It is quite tall and elongated, with an oval shape. Its skin, like its pulp, is light yellow. and you can use it in the kitchen for everything (although it’s best to fry).
vitelotte potato
Within potato varieties, some look alike. And some don’t. That’s what’s happening with this one in particular. To start, you will find a medium potato but with a black skin. There is not everything. When opened, the flesh of the potato is neither yellow nor white. It’s purple.
It can be used in frying but it is also quite good cooked in salads. Although maybe the color of this puts you off a bit.
blue potato
Another of the rare potato varieties that you have on the market is this one. It is native to Peru and Bolivia and, although it is rare to see it in Spain, it does exist.
As the name suggests, the flesh of this potato is blue in color due to anthocyanins, that is, certain antioxidant pigments that it shares with blueberries or blackberries, for example.
Adirondack Blue Potato
This potato is also strange. He has purple skin while the flesh is blue. Besides, has a sweet taste it is therefore not suitable for certain stews or for frying or cooking.
Squash
Although this potato is native to Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala and other countries in the region, the truth is that it is currently cultivated in many other parts of the world, including Europe.
It is also known as the prickly potato and is striking in its pear shape. In addition, the skin of this one is quite thick and ranges from dark green to creamy white. As for the pulp, it is clear. Of course, his “prickly” name is because some contain skin with spines.
In flavor, we will tell you that it is very similar to that of a cucumber or a zucchini.
Red pontiac potato
Another of the few, although the truth is that not as many as the previous ones, is the red Pontiac, characterized by a very red skin, although later its pulp is white.
The shape of these potatoes is rounded and their texture is usually grainy. that’s why it’s ideal for cooking or for making traditional dishes such as potato omelette.
Cob potato
This potato is not really a variety that existed as such, but has been genetically modified. These are medium sized potatoes with an elongated shape.
Regarding the use that can be made of it, the best is cooked or as a garnish in stews.
Kennebec potato
Also known as the Galician potato, it is one of the most popular in the world. These are large potatoes with a fairly strong flavor.
As for his skin, it is clear and mottled, but very fine. The pulp is usually very light yellow or even vegetable yellow. It is one of the best to fry because it contains very little water and a lot of starch.
Now that you know more potato varieties, Would you dare to try some you’ve never heard of or tried? What would be? We read you in the comments.