Each of these varieties fit into one of seven potato type categories:
Russet Potatoes
Appearance: medium to large, oblong or slightly flattened oval, light to medium russet-brown, netted skin, white to pale yellow flesh.
Texture: floury and dry; light and fluffy; hearty skin that is chewy when cooked.
Flavor: mild; earthy; medium sugar content
Preferred uses: baking, frying, mashing, roasted
Russet potatoes are the most popular type of potato. Russets are ideal for light and fluffy mashed potatoes. They also fry up crisp and golden brown, and they are the potato of choice for baking. The delicate flavor and fluffy texture of baked russets go well with all kinds of toppings, from traditional sour cream and chives to spicy and bold Mediterranean or Latin flavors.
Red Potatoes
Appearance: small to medium; round or slightly oblong; smooth, thin red skin; white flesh
Texture: waxy, moist and smooth; creamy
Flavor: Subtly sweet; mild medium sugar content
Preferred uses: Roasting, mashing, salads, soups/stews
Because of their waxy texture, the flesh of red potatoes stays firm throughout the cooking process, whether they are being roasted or cooked in a stew. Their thin yet vibrant red skin adds appealing color and texture to side dishes and salads. Reds are frequently used to make tender yet firm potato salad or add pizazz to soups and stews, as well as being served baked or mashed. Round reds are often referred to as “new potatoes,” but the term “new” technically refers to any type of potato that is harvested before reaching maturity.
White Potatoes
Appearance: small to medium; round to long shape; white or tan skin; white flesh
Texture: medium starch; slightly creamy, slightly dense; thin, delicate skin
Flavor: subtly sweet; mild; low sugar content
Preferred uses: mashing, salads, steaming/boiling, frying
White potatoes hold their shape well after cooking. Their delicate, thin skins add just the right amount of texture to a velvety mashed potato dish without the need for peeling. Grilling whites brings out a more full-bodied flavor. Create signature potato salads–just toss cooked white potatoes with dressings and ingredients “borrowed” from other salads, e.g., Caesar dressing and grated Parmesan; or ranch dressing, chopped egg and bacon crumbles.
Yellow Potatoes
Appearance: marble to large size; round or oblong shape; light tan to golden skin; yellow to golden flesh.
Texture: slightly waxy, velvety, moist
Flavor: subtly sweet; rich; buttery; medium-sugar content
Preferred uses: grilling, roasting, mashing, salads
Grilling gives yellow potatoes a crispy skin that enhances the dense flesh, creating a slightly sweet caramelized flavor. The creamy texture and golden color of yellow potatoes mean you can use less or no butter for lighter, healthier dishes. The naturally smooth and buttery texture also lends itself well to lighter versions of baked, roasted or mashed potatoes. Simmer yellow potatoes until fully cooked, then drain, chill, and gently “smash” into flat disks. Brown these in oil or butter and serve as a side or appetizer topped with sour cream and chives or other garnishes.
Purple/Blue Potatoes
Appearance: small to medium size; oblong to fingerling; deep purple, blue or slightly red skin; blue, purple lavender, pink or white flesh
Texture: moist; firm flesh. Flavor: earthy, nutty, low sugar content
Preferred Uses: roasting, grilling, salads, baking
Most blue/purple potatoes have moist, firm flesh that retains its shape while adding rich, vibrant color and luscious taste to salads. The purple color is preserved best by microwaving, but steaming and baking are also great ways to cook blue/purple potatoes. Because of their mild yet distinctly nutty flavor, blue/purple potatoes naturally complement green salad flavors. Red, White and Blues—Combine blue potatoes with whites and reds in salads or roasted medleys to make all three colors “pop”.
Fingerling Potatoes
Appearance: 2” to 4” long; finger-shaped or oblong; red, orange, purple or white skin; red orange, purple, yellow or white flesh–sometimes streaked with veins of color.
Texture: waxy, firm, try
Flavor: buttery; nutty; earthy; medium sugar content
Preferred uses: Pan-frying, roasting, salads
Fingerling color and shape are a welcome visual addition to any dish. Pan-frying and roasting enhance their robust flavor and showcase their wonderful nutty or buttery tastes. Consider fingerlings as a change-of-pace foundation for a unique potato salad. Split fingerlings lengthwise and oven-roast to serve as a small-plate or side-dish alternative to fries, with a flavor dipping sauce, like spicy ketchup, romesco, or sriracha mayo.
Petite Potatoes
These small, bite-sized potatoes are actually a grade standard based upon size (“C-size” and smaller, oftentimes referred to as pearls or marble-size). They are the same skin and flesh color as their larger-sized cousins, as well as the shape, texture and sugar content. Their flavor profile is similar but with a more concentrated flavor to their larger-sized cousins.
Preferred uses: salads, roasting, frying
Petites make a great substitute for pasta, adding nutritional value as well. Roast a combination of colors for an eye-catching side dish. Their concentrated flavors and quicker cooking time makes petites a good choice for potato salads. Simply toss petites in olive oil, rosemary and salt and pepper to make colorful, delicious and fun roasted potatoes. They save you prep time, because they can be prepared and served whole, without slicing or chopping.