The Ultimate Guide to Potatoes: What Potato for What Cooking Style?
- maxine207
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Potatoes are a staple in kitchens around the world for good reason: they’re affordable, versatile, filling, and delicious. But not all potatoes are created equal. Choosing the right type of potato for your cooking method can make a huge difference in texture and flavour. Whether you're roasting, mashing, boiling, or frying, there's a perfect spud for the job. Here's everything you need to know to get the best results from your potatoes every time.
Understanding Potato Types
Potatoes are generally classified into three main categories based on their starch content:
Starchy (Floury) Potatoes
High in starch and low in moisture
Light, fluffy texture when cooked
Break down easily
Best for baking, roasting, and mashing
Examples: Agria, Red Rascal, Ilam Hardy
Waxy Potatoes
Low in starch, high in moisture
Firm, smooth texture that holds shape well
Best for boiling, salads, and soups
Examples: Nadine, Draga, Jersey Bennes
All-Purpose (Medium Starch) Potatoes
Balance between starchy and waxy
Versatile and reliable for most cooking methods
Examples: Desiree, Rua, Heather
Best Potatoes for Mashing
For silky, smooth mash, you'll want a starchy variety. The fluffy texture allows butter and cream to blend in easily, creating that signature creamy finish.
Top Picks:
Agria: With its golden flesh and fluffy interior, Agria makes a rich and buttery mash.
Red Rascal: Mild and creamy when mashed.
Pro Tip: Boil potatoes in cold water and avoid over-mixing to prevent gluey mash.
Best Potatoes for Roasting
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—the perfect roast potato starts with a starchy spud. The exterior crisps up beautifully while the inside remains tender.
Top Picks:
Agria: The gold standard for roasties with its fluffy inside and crisp skin.
Ilam Hardy: Reliable texture and golden colour when roasted.
Pro Tip: Parboil your potatoes, rough them up in the pot, and roast in hot oil for extra crunch.
Best Potatoes for Boiling
When boiling potatoes, especially for salads or side dishes, you want them to hold their shape and not disintegrate in the pot.
Top Picks:
Nadine: Waxy and firm, great for boiling and slicing.
Jersey Bennes: A New Zealand favourite with a nutty flavour and excellent boiled texture.
Pro Tip: Always start with cold water to ensure even cooking and salt the water well.
Best Potatoes for Baking
For that classic baked potato with a crispy skin and fluffy inside, go for a high-starch variety.
Top Picks:
Agria: Our local hero for soft, golden baked goodness.
Red Rascal: Another great option with a fluffy texture.
Pro Tip: Rub with olive oil and salt before baking for a crispier skin.
Best Potatoes for Chips & Fries
A good chip or fry is all about crunch and fluff. Starchy potatoes produce the crispiest results.
Top Picks:
Agria: Excellent for deep frying due to its low moisture and high starch.
Red Rascal: Good option for homemade wedges and oven fries.
Pro Tip: Soak cut chips in water for 30 minutes before frying to remove excess starch.
Best Potatoes for Salads
You want potatoes that will hold their shape, absorb flavour, and add a nice bite to the salad.
Top Picks:
Draga: Waxy and subtly sweet.
Jersey Bennes: Delicious when tossed in a mustard or herb dressing.
Pro Tip: Dress your salad while the potatoes are still warm to absorb more flavour.
Best Potatoes for Soups & Stews
For soups and stews, choose potatoes that will hold their shape but still add a creamy texture.
Top Picks:
Desiree: Smooth and waxy with a mild flavour.
Rua: A versatile, firm potato that softens slightly but doesn't break apart.
Pro Tip: Cut your potatoes larger if simmering for a long time to avoid them going mushy.
Storage Tips
Keep potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place.
Avoid storing them in the fridge (cold temps convert starch to sugar).
Don’t wash them before storing, as moisture promotes spoilage.
Keep away from onions to prevent sprouting.
In Summary
Choosing the right potato for the right job ensures better taste, texture, and presentation. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Cooking Method | Best Potato Types |
Mashing | Agria, Red Rascal |
Roasting | Agria, Ilam Hardy |
Boiling | Nadine, Jersey Bennes |
Baking | Agria, Red Rascal |
Chips/Fries | Agria, Red Rascal |
Salads | Draga, Jersey Bennes |
Soups & Stews | Desiree, Rua |
So next time you’re shopping, consider your cooking method and choose your potato accordingly. Your taste buds will thank you!
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