Potatoes
Potatoes are the world’s fourth largest food crop, following rice, wheat, and corn. Because they can be stored through the winter, they are a great, nutrient rich source of local starch. Although they get a bad rap by low-carb dieters, potatoes are full of vitamin C, B6 and Potassium.
Harvested in spring or early summer, new potatoes are the youthful version of the more familiar adults. Their delicate thin skin requires farmers to gently dig each one from the earth by hand. At home, a simple scrub to remove any excess soil replaces peeling. Quick cooking is recommended for these tender tubers who lack the maturity to turn sugars into starch, making them a poor choice for baking or frying.
Store in a brown paper bag for no longer than a few days.
Below is a guide to some varieties commonly carried in the market:
White-fleshed Potatoes
White Rose – classic, silky
Katahdin – great flavor, good for mashing or baking
*Russet Norkotah - versatile, moist baker
*Red Lasota – a classic red
Kennebec – great for fries
*Dakota Rose – red skin, floury flavor
Yellow-fleshed Potatoes
Carola – a favorite, best masher, very versatile
Yukon Gold – great masher, a bit dry
Yellow Finn – great sautéed, moist and sweet
German Butterball – very versatile
Nicola – an heirloom with great flavor
Abby’s Gold – a smooth-skinned butterball
Purple-fleshed Potatoes
All Blue – very dry, great roasted
Purple Peruvian – blue all through, great fried
Purple Viking – great flavor, good masher
Red-fleshed Potatoes
Huckleberry – very creamy
Fingerling Potatoes
Russian Banana– rich flavor, great roasted
Rose Finn Apple – nutty, make a great potato salad
French – rich, distinctive flavor, great roasted
Princess Larate – a French favorite
Ozette – a popular heirloom, very creamy
Amandine – a new variety
In Season
Available From
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Recipes with Potatoes
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Sautéed Cabbage and Roasted Potatoes with Carrot PuréeBryant Terry, Vegetable Kingdom |
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Latkes for All Eight NightsEvan Bloom, Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen |
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Fall Vegetable HashEvan Bloom, Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen |
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Binagoongang Gulay: Roasted Vegetables with Shrimp PasteYana Gilbuena, SALO Series |
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Articles about Potatoes
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January 07, 2021Get Rooted: A Farmers Market Guide to Root VegetablesA walk through the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market the winter dispels any belief that “there are no fresh vegetables during the winter.” |
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August 03, 2012Farming without WaterAs the nation grapples with the worst drought in decades, farmers on the coast of California practice the lost art of dryland agriculture. |
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June 04, 2010Zen VegetablesA former apprentice at Green Gulch Farms says working on the farm was hard, physical work, and a constant practice in reflection. “We became intimate with our food by feeding the soil, caring for plants, and the land returned this care and effort to us with beautiful vegetables.” |
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September 09, 2005Picking Potatoes |
About CUESA
CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) is dedicated to growing thriving communities through the power and joy of local food. Learn More »