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Food & Ingredients

Potatoes

The humble potato, a staple food across the globe, is so much more than meets the eye. This versatile tuber comes in an astounding array of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, each offering a unique culinary experience. To unlock the full potential of the potato, let's explore the three main categories: starchy, waxy, and all-purpose.

Tom Tom Founder
Published:
May 24, 2024

What If My Recipe Doesn’t Specify What Potatoes to Use?

If your recipe doesn’t specify what kind of potatoes to use, the best option would be to use the most neutral kind of potatoes, e.g., russet potatoes, red potatoes, Yukon potatoes, etc. But essentially, you can use any potatoes you have available

Starchy, Waxy, or All-Purpose Potatoes?

In general, potatoes are organized into 3 categories: Starchy, Waxy, or All-Purpose Potatoes.

Starchy Potatoes

  • Starchy potatoes are characterized by their high starch content and relatively low moisture.
  • When cooked, the starch granules absorb water, swell, and break down, creating a delightfully fluffy and light texture.
  • Popular starchy potatoes include Russet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes (Jewel Yam) and Japanese Sweet Potatoes.
  • Starchy potatoes are your best friend for achieving light and fluffy mashed potatoes or perfectly baked potatoes.
  • Read more here.

Waxy Potatoes

  • Waxy potatoes boast a lower starch content and higher moisture. This gives them a firm, creamy texture and allows them to hold their shape beautifully when cooked. Popular waxy varieties include:
  • Popular starch potatoes are red potatoes, white potatoes, Yellow Potatoes, Purple Potatoes and Fingerling Potatoes.
  • Waxy potatoes won’t fall apart when diced, making them ideal for potato salads or dishes where distinct potato pieces are desired.
  • Roasting enhances their natural sweetness and creates a crispy exterior with a creamy interior.
  • Read more here.

All-Purpose Potatoes

  • As the name suggests, all-purpose potatoes offer a balance between starchy and waxy characteristics. Their moderate starch content and creamy texture make them adaptable to various cooking methods. Popular choices include:
  • Popular all-pourpose potatoes are Red Skin Gold Potatoes, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Kennebec Potatoesand Norland Red Potatoes.
  • Experiment with all-purpose potatoes! Their versatility makes them perfect for trying different recipes and techniques.
  • Read more here.

A World of Flavor and Texture

Understanding the differences between starchy, waxy, and all-purpose potatoes empowers you to make informed choices in the kitchen. Each category offers a unique set of characteristics that can elevate your cooking. Whether you’re craving a fluffy baked potato, a vibrant potato salad, or a creamy bowl of mashed potatoes, there’s a perfect potato variety to match your culinary desires.

About the Author:
TomFounder
# 1
  • Published Recipes: 237
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  • Location: Iowa, USA
  • Member since: 2023-02-02
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