Potatoes are one of the most important, popular, and versatile crops worldwide, with the International Potato Center noting that they are right behind rice and wheat in the ranking of most consumed foods. The tuberous vegetable was cultivated by the Incas anywhere from 8000 B.C. to 5000 B.C. and was brought to Europe by the Spanish in the mid-16th century, according to Potatoes USA.
There are more than 200 reported varieties of potatoes, divided into seven categories. Russet, red, white, and yellow potatoes are most commonly found in grocery stores and can be used for any number of delicious potato-based recipes, from french fries to mashed potatoes, hash browns, latkes, and more. Fingerling and petite potatoes are more delicate and preferred when emphasizing presentation.
Purple potatoes, though, combine the versatility of larger varieties with the decorative aspect of your plate, adding a pop of color. One stunning purple potato variety is Adirondack blue, a rich purple potato on the inside and out that can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways.
Purple potatoes taste similar to a regular russet potato. Their texture is less starchy and moister, and their flavor is slightly nuttier and earthier. all the pretty potato colors!
What are Adirondack blue potatoes?
Adirondack blue (solanum tuberosum) potatoes are a relatively new cultivar, with Fedco Seeds reporting that they were released in 2003 by specialists in potato genetics at Cornell University. The same group also released the Adirondack red, Keuka gold, and Yukon gem varieties. Though theyre called blue, they have a very distinct, dark, rich purple shade both inside and out, and it stays just as vibrant when cooked, unlike other purple potatoes that tend to lose pigment.
That purple pigment is called anthocyanin and it loads the potatoes with antioxidants. Its considered a mid-season potato, meaning seeds will turn into spuds in 80 to 90 days. In terms of planting, Johnnys Selected Seeds says to sow the tubers starting in early spring. They prefer growing in well-draining soil and can handle light bouts of frost when first planted. The potatoes grow well in New York state, as well as other cold climates, per The New York Times.
What do Adirondack blue potatoes taste like?
Adirondack blue potatoes dont just look different from other potato varieties, but they have a slightly varying texture and even application in cooking. According to Michelin Guide, the potatoes have a dense texture and taste similar to Yukon gold potatoes.
While Adirondack blue potatoes are far from the only purple potato variety, they do stand out as one of the most vibrant — both before and after cooking. Other purple spuds have a tendency to lose pigment once cooked, even taking on a grayish hue, but Adirondack blue potatoes are heralded for how well they retain their color after being boiled, roasted, or fried, per Johnnys Selected Seeds.
Other potatoes simply have the color of Adirondack blue, and not necessarily the uniquely dense texture. Purple Peruvian potatoes, for example, are just as bright on the inside, but lighten to an indigo shade once cooked, explains FreshPoint. The outlet adds that their cooked texture is similar to Russet potatoes, which are a little fluffier than Yukon gold.
How do Blue Potatoes taste like
FAQ
Do blue potatoes taste good?
Do purple potatoes taste the same as regular potatoes?
What is the flavor of a blue potato?
Are blue potatoes better than white?
Do blue potatoes taste better than regular potatoes?
Blue potatoes have a subtly different flavor compared to regular potatoes. They tend to be slightly nuttier and sweeter, making them a fantastic addition to various dishes. What are some popular cooking methods for blue potatoes?
Why do sweet potatoes and normal potatoes chips taste different?
Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are both considered root vegetables but are only distantly related. Sweet potatoes are from the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae, and white potatoes are nightshades, or Solanaceae. The edible part of these plants are the tubers that grow on the roots. Both varieties are native to parts of Central and South America but now eaten all over the world. Sweet potatoes typically have brown skin and orange flesh but also come in purple, yellow, and red varieties. Regular potatoes come in shades of brown, yellow, and red and have white or yellow flesh.
Are blue potatoes a good color?
When it comes to adding a vibrant pop of color to your plate, blue potatoes are a true gem. These unique potatoes not only provide a striking hue, but they also have a distinct flavor that sets them apart from their more common counterparts.
Are blue potatoes better than white potatoes?
Compared to white potatoes, these potatoes have higher levels of antioxidants which makes them extra nutritious. It is interesting to make as a superfood as well as to cook and serve. Blue potatoes with many varieties often taste like other potatoes, but their color does not give a special taste.