Did you know that there are over 14 different types of potatoes? Some are waxy, some are starchy and some are in-between. Some are better for pureeing and mashing, some for deep frying and roasting some for boiling and steaming etc.
So, if you want to know which type of potatoes are the best for when you make mashed potatoes next time to go with a steak, or maybe roasted potatoes to go as a side, then check out all the details right here in this article! We’ll talk about 14 of the most popular types of potatoes, their texture, flavour and where these potatoes can be best used.
Types of Potatoes
1. Russet Potato
Russet potatoes are high in their starch content and have a light brown skin and white flesh. They have a floury, dry texture, but are light, fluffy and chewy once cooked.
Best For: Baking, mashing, deep frying.
2. Jewel Yam Potato
These potatoes are sweet to taste and have a fluffy texture, but are also moist and starchy in consistency. The flesh is orange and is fire and dense.
Best For: Baking, mashing, pureeing, roasting
3. Japanese Sweet Potato
These potatoes are called ‘Satsumaimo’ in Japan. They have a nutty, but minimally sweet flavour. They are more dry and starchy compared to other sweet potatoes. Their texture is flaky and fluffy.
Best For: Baking, mashing, deep frying, roasting
4. Hannah Sweet Potato
These potatoes are slightly sweet to taste and have a dense and firm texture, but when cooked becomes dry and flaky.
Best For: Pureeing, mashing, baking, deep frying, roasting
5. Red Bliss Potato
Red bliss potatoes have a waxy, but moist texture, with white flesh. They are high in their sugar content and are a very common variety if red-skinned potatoes.
Best For: Boiling, baking, mashing, roasting
6. French Fingerling Potato
French fingerling potatoes have a smooth, reddish kin with red specks and light yellow colored flesh. They have a firm, waxy texture.
Best For: Boiling, baking, mashing, frying.
7. Red Thumb Potato
These potatoes are a type of fingerling potatoes that have a creamy and waxy texture, with a marbled flesh that is white and pinkish in color.
Best For: Roasting, grilling, Boiling, pan frying
8. La Ratte Potato
La ratte potatoes have a yellowish-brown skin, with a smooth and butter texture and a nutty and creamy flavour.
Best For: Boiling, roasting Steaming
9. Russian Banana Potato
These potatoes are firm, with a waxy texture. They have a creamy flesh and are dense, with a yellow or white color.
Best For: Roasting, boiling, Grilling, pan frying
10. Austrian Crescent Potato
Austrian crescent potatoes have a buttery flavour with a firm and waxy texture. They are also a type of fingerling potatoes.
Best For: Deep frying, Chipping
11. Yukon Gold Potato
These potatoes have a rich buttery flavour and a creamy and tender texture. They have a thin, golden-brown smooth skin.
Best For: Boiling, baking, Mashing, frying Roasting.
12. Purple Majesty Potato
Purple majesty potato has a waxy, moist and firm texture. They have a deep purple skin and flesh, with an exceptional flavour.
Best For: Mashing, Baking, Roasting, Chipping.
13. Red Norland Potato
These potatoes have a smooth and moist texture, with dark red skin and white flesh. They maintain their color even after cooking. Their flavour is known to be excellent.
Best For: Boiling, Baking, Mashing, Chipping.
14. All Blue Potato
These potatoes are often called as ‘Purple Marker Potatoes’ and are known to have blue skin, with blue flesh and a creamy texture. They are well-known for having a very great taste.
Best For: Boiling, baking, Mashing, frying, roasting.