Difference Between Red and White Potatoes

The main difference between red and white potatoes is that red potatoes are the light red color-skinned potatoes that are less starchy and more sugary whereas white potatoes are the brown color-skinned potatoes that are starchy. Also, red potatoes are medium in size and they are better in salads, chowders, and soups. White potatoes, on the other hand, can be small to large in size and they are better for frying, mashing, baking, and toasting.

Red and white potatoes are the two main types of potatoes. Generally, potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables all over the world.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Red Potatoes
     – Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What are White Potatoes
     – Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Red and White Potatoes
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Red and White Potatoes
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Cooking Techniques, Red Potatoes, Skin, Texture, White Potatoes

What are Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are the medium-sized, round potatoes with a thin, red skin and white flesh. They are also called Red Bliss potatoes. Since the flesh of red potatoes contains less starch, it is waxy and firm. 

Figure 1: Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are used mainly in soups, stews, boiling, roasting, potato salad and casseroles due to their firm nature. Also, they are not good for mashing.

What are White Potatoes

White potatoes are the commonly cultivated potatoes with a brown skin and white or yellow color flesh. They are native to South America. These potatoes are also called brown russet potatoes or Idaho.

Figure 2: White Potatoes

Besides, white potatoes have the neutral potato flavor and a fluffy, creamy and soft texture. Therefore, white potatoes are better for baking, mashing and making French fries. Generally, white potatoes are used in the recipes they are not required to hold the potato shape.

Similarities Between Red and White Potatoes

• Red and white potatoes are starchy vegetables.
• They are edible tubers.
• Both contain carbohydrates, fiber, and proteins and do not have fat.

Difference Between Red and White Potatoes

Definition

Red Potatoes: Medium-sized, round potatoes with a thin, red skin and white flesh

White Potatoes: Commonly cultivated potatoes with a brown skin and white or yellow color flesh

Called as

Red Potatoes: Red Bliss potatoes

White Potatoes: Brown russet potatoes or Idaho

Size

Red Potatoes: Medium

White Potatoes: Small to large

Color of the Skin

Red Potatoes: Light red color skin with white inside

White Potatoes: Brown color skin, but white or tan inside

Features

Red Potatoes: Waxy, less starchy, and more sugary

White Potatoes: Starchy inside and slightly dense

Skin

Red Potatoes: Generally cooked with the skin

White Potatoes: Cooked with or without the skin

Cooking Techniques

Red Potatoes: Better for oiling, pan frying, grilling, scalloping, and steaming

White Potatoes: Better for frying, baking, mashing, or roasting

Used in

Red Potatoes: Salads, soups, chowders, and fried potato dishes

White Potatoes: French fries

Conclusion

Red potatoes have a thin, red color skin while white potatoes have a brown color skin. Also, red potatoes have less starch than white ones but, have more sugar. Besides, red potatoes are best for dishes like salads that require the firmness of potatoes. Meanwhile, white potatoes are good for mashes.

Reference:

1. “A Guide To Every Type Of Potato You Need To Know.” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, 2 Mar. 2014, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “Red potatoes” By Mike Licht (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Potatoes-Earth-Apple-Potato-Vegetables-Food-3195259” (CC0) via Max Pixel

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