Red Potato Varieties – Growing Red Skinned and Red Flesh Potatoes

Red-hulled potatoes are not only beautiful, but their bright colour also makes them very nutritious and these are not the only reasons to grow red potatoes. In fact, they are just the tip of the iceberg. Read on to learn more about growing these potatoes.

Why grow red potatoes?

Red-skinned potatoes are healthier than, for example, Russets. The reason is in the colour of the skin. The red colour of potatoes is due to anthocyanins, a common pigment that is associated with a high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Antioxidants make potatoes more nutritious and a diet rich in antioxidants helps reduce the risk of cancer.

Red potato varieties are also a good source of vitamin B6; they are

fat-free, sodium-free and cholesterol-free; and (it was a surprise) are an excellent source of potassium – even more than a banana!

If all this doesn’t encourage you to include more varieties of red potatoes in your diet, consider it. Red potatoes have a less starchy, waxy texture. This makes them excellent for salads, soups, roasts or boiling dishes. They retain their beautiful colour when cooked, as well as their shape. They have a thin shell that can, and should, be left on the skin, which means they no longer flake. They even make a wonderful mashed potato; again, the skin remains.

Types of red potatoes

There are many possibilities for growing red potatoes. Red Bliss is probably the variety that most people are familiar with, but it is not the only one. Most have white to off-white flesh, which contrasts very well with their different shades of red.

Red Gold potatoes, on the other hand, have yellow flesh and red skin, an impressive combination. Adirondack red potatoes have spotted pink flesh and red skin. The colour of this variety fades on cooking, but only to a purple hue.

Here are other types of red potatoes you can try to grow