What is a Potato?
Potatoes are tubers that grow fully underground. They are part of the nightshade (solanaceous) family. White potatoes come in two main forms Waxy and Starchy. While there are many types of waxy and starchy potatoes, Russet potatoes are the common starchy potato and Yukon Gold potatoes are the classic waxy potato. Only the tuber (actual potato) is edible and the leaves are actually poisonous because its part of the nightshade family.
What do they taste like?
White potatoes are a favorite because of their mild, creamy texture when cooked. They absorb other flavors well and can be prepared in various ways and cuisines making them an ultra versatile ingredient. Potatoes are one of those veggies that I would choose to bring to a deserted island with me.
How to best prepare Potatoes?
Potatoes take minimal preparation to cook, but can take time to cook. I like to give them a good rinse under water and sometimes a good scrub especially if I keep the skins since potatoes grow underground there may be traces of dirt on the potato. From there, you can use them whole, peeled, and or cut them. They are ready to use. Just be sure there are no sprouts or green spots on the potato before using… more on this later.
What is a simple way to make potatoes?
Potatoes are SO versatile they can be used in infinite ways almost. My favorites are mashed potatoes, hashes, roasted potatoes, potato salads, and potato soups. I will share how I boil potatoes because I frequently start with boiling or at least par boiling unless I am making a classic baked potato or cutting very very thin. Since Potatoes are so dense, I think they benefit from at least a par boil.
To boil potatoes, I will add my potatoes and COLD water to a large pot. Then place on the stove with a generous amount of salt and bring up to a boil. By bringing the potatoes up to a boil with the water ensures they cook more evenly. If you add potatoes to already boiling water they tend to overcook and become mushy on the outside while the center is still raw and hard. When the water and potatoes gradually come up to heat together they cook from within more evenly. Depending on the size of your potatoes and your desired outcome will depend on how long to cook the potatoes in the water. If they are whole potatoes they will take much longer than if they are 1 inch diced potatoes. Typically when I par boil potatoes, I have them already diced and bite sized so I typically let the potatoes boil for about 2-8 minutes and then check on them. Once a fork can go through the potato with some resistance I know they are properly par boiled. These are great for roasting. I remove from the water, dry, coat with oil and seasonings and roast in a high heat oven until golden brown. They are done when they are golden brown and fully tender on the inside.
If I were to make a potato salad or want to fully cook the potatoes in water I would continue to let the potatoes cook in a gently boiling pot for around 20 minutes give or take depending on the size of the potatoes. I would start checking around the 15 minute mark. You know the potatoes are done when a fork easily goes through a potato with minimal resistance. You can also take one out and taste it for texture.
What to look for when buying?
potatoes age really well if stored properly, so it is not hard to find quality potatoes at the store. Choose potatoes that are firm with no sprouts, soft, or green spots. If sprouts or green spots are present this is a sign the potato has gone bad and I would avoid eating the whole potato. Once a potato has started sprouting or turning green especially under the skin the potato is no longer edible. Since potatoes are part of the night shade family and the leaves are poisonous once a potato has sprouted or turned green, those compounds are now present in the potato itself. Try your hand at growing your own potatoes or compost it if possible.
How to best store at home?
Once you find the perfect potatoes at the store how do you keep them from sprouting at home? Store potatoes in a cool (NOT fridge cold) dark environment away from lights and natural sunlight if possible. A pantry or cabinet is the best place. You can store potatoes in a brown paper bag or loose but avoid storing in a plastic bag where ventilation is not as good. These steps will prevent them from sprouting as fast. AVOID storing potatoes next to onions, garlic, tomatoes, and apples as they will ripen a potato faster. Also AVOID storing potatoes in the fridge. Keeping potatoes in the fridge will actually change their flavor and texture not in the best way.
What is the best season?
Potatoes prefer cool temperatures to grow but their specific growing season will vary by region depending on the climate. In warmer climates they will grow from fall and are harvested in the spring, while in cooler climates they may grow from spring and are harvested in late summer. Potatoes do not require, but take well to curing or aging which means it is likely to find good quality potatoes year round. No need to focus as much on locality or seasonality for this produce however, it is always best to purchase local in season produce.
What is the difference between starchy and waxy potatoes?
Starchy and waxy potatoes have a few key differences. The most prevalent being the starch content and the texture of the potato.
Common starchy potatoes are Russets or Idaho potatoes. They have a higher starch content and lower moisture content making them very fluffy and absorbent to take on flavor. The main down side of this type is their high starch content making it easy to achieve a gluey texture if over mixed which can be unappealing to most. Due to the high starch content and low moisture, these potatoes can sometimes be a bit gritty in texture. These potatoes are great for baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or making french fries.
Common waxy potatoes are Yukon Gold or Red potatoes which you guessed it, have a lower starch content than Russets or Idaho potatoes. This means they hold their shape well when cooked and have a more creamy texture compared to fluffy. I also find waxy potatoes to be less gritty. Since they hold together well, they are great for making potato salads, soups, or roasting. These also make a great mashed potato and often I do a 50/50 mix of starchy to waxy potatoes for my mashed potatoes.
So next time you are at the store picking up some potatoes keep in mind what you plan on doing with them and choose the right potato for your cooking.
Nutritional Benefits
Potatoes are much more nutritious than you make think. They are a complete protein which means they contain all 9 essential amino acids. One medium potato has around 4g of protein. They contain good starches, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are rich in vitamin C and potassium. Sweet potatoes (that are orange) contain more vitamin C and Purple potatoes contain more antioxidants than white potatoes, but white potatoes still contain vitamins.
So, are potatoes healthy? Well, while the more colorful varieties contain more vitamins and nutrients white potatoes still contain vitamins and nutrients. Typically, I find that potatoes have an ‘unhealthy’ view on them because of how we prepare them such as frying and the amount of butter and other high fat ingredients not the potato itself.
(information for nutrition benefits sourced from health.ucdavis.edu)
