Potatoes are a staple food in many American households so common that they seem mundane. However the world of potatoes is much more diverse than you might imagine. There are thousands of varieties of potatoes with approximately 100 unique cultivars grown commercially in the United States alone. Each type of potato has unique characteristics in terms of flavor texture and uses. It would be an impossible task to describe every individual potato cultivar but for culinary purposes they can be broadly grouped into the categories of waxy and starchy potatoes.
| Channel | Publish Date | Thumbnail & View Count | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
 Jenna Edwards | 2020-11-06 14:00:00 |  14,424 Views |
Starchy vs. Waxy Potatoes – What's the Difference Between Potato Types? What is Yukon Gold?
Potatoes come in a wide spectrum of textures ranging from waxy to starchy. Waxy potatoes tend to be smaller and have firm flesh that doesn’t lose its shape when cooked. Their starchy counterparts are larger potatoes with soft mashable flesh. There are also potato varieties that fall in the middle of the spectrum and are called all-purpose potatoes. Each group has its own strengths and limitations.
Waxy potatoes are characterized by a low starch content and a high moisture content. This makes the flesh a little firmer to the tooth but once you sink your teeth into it you will notice that it has a creamy quality due to the moisture. These tubers also have a thinner waxy skin hence their name. When you cut open a waxy potato the flesh should be slightly shiny which reflects the high water content.
The varieties of potatoes do not break down when you cook them which is why they are best for dishes where you want them to hold their shape such as roasted potatoes or herbed potato salad. Waxy varieties on the other hand make poor mashed potatoes as their firm flesh does not easily yield to the pressure of a potato masher leaving you with large chunks in the dish. Another important characteristic is their higher sugar content which adds a slightly sweet flavor to whatever dish you make.
