by Karen Ellis

Created on: January 01, 2010

Using the right potato for a recipe makes all the difference in the world. Some are better baked, while others are better boiled. Some varieties of potatoes, on the other hand, are good when prepared in several different ways. There are four basic types of potatoes used in North America: russet, round red, round white and long white. Once you know about the types of potatoes, you’ll have no trouble deciding on the best one for your recipe. If you don’t yet have a great potato recipe, check the Best Loved Potato Recipes in the last segment of this article.

Russet

The russet potato is probably the most popular and well known of all the varieties. It’s ability to transcend into a multitude of different recipes makes it the potato most grown and used. Choose russets when preparing baked potatoes, mashed potatoes or fried potatoes. This variety has a brown skin and a creamy white flesh in an oval shape. This potato has a low moisture content and a starchy consistency. When you see them at the grocery store or at your local farmers market, they may be advertised as Russet Arcadia, Russet Burbank, Norgold Russet, Gold Rush or Idaho.

Round Red and Round White

The round red and round white potatoes are much the same, except for their skin color. Medium-sized and perfect for boiling, they are often referred to as “boiling potatoes.” This potato has more moister and less starch than the russet, as well as being a bit smaller. If you’ve used russet potatoes for your Thanksgiving dinner’s mashed potatoes, try the round red or round white. This potato is also a great choice for steaming. You will enjoy the different texture and taste. It’s important to note that these potatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator, but at room temperature. Cold storage can turn the starch into a sugar, making it sweet and discolored during the cooking process.

Long White

The long whites are a medium-sized potato with a medium starch level. They have a long oval shape with tan colored skins. The creamy, firm cooked texture makes them a popular variety for most potato dishes. Sometimes called California Whites or Rose, this potato has a medium to low starch content. Long white potatoes are a perfect choice for boiling, steaming or in baked dishes. This potato keeps it’s shape when cooked, making for excellent plating presentations.

Alternate Potatoes

Fingerlings are a long thin potato, with a low starch content with a waxy texture. Prepare

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