Ed's Produce: Potatoes 101

How much do you really know about potatoes? Potatoes come in several varieties, differing in appearance, texture, and taste. Let’s dive into the different types of potatoes!

Common Potato Sizes

Potatoes are sorted by how many fit into a 50-pound box. There are categories such as Potato A, B, and C, which indicate the shape of the potato. A's are the largest of the three and are uniform in size, followed by B’s at a medium size, and C’s, having the smallest size. A potatoes are popular for retail purposes since they have a large, uniform size. A-sized potatoes are generally 2.5 inches in diameter, B-sized potatoes have a diameter of 1.5-2.25 inches, and C-sized potatoes have a diameter of less than 1.5 inches.

When counts are displayed as numbers, such as 50ct, 60ct, 70ct, 80ct, 90ct, or 100ct, they are referring to how many potatoes are in that same 50-pound box. A 50ct box means that there are larger potatoes—about 50 per box—while a 100ct means they are smaller, and the count would be around 100. 50ct potatoes are roughly 8-10 oz each, 60ct are between 6.5-8 oz, 70ct are around 5.5-6.5 oz, 80ct are between 4.5-5.5 oz, and 100ct weigh 3.5-4 oz each. 

Texture Profiles

Some of the most common texture profiles of potatoes include Idaho, Red, White, Yukons, and Fingerlings. Idaho potatoes are known for their high starch content, making them light and fluffy when baked or mashed. They make an excellent choice for baked potatoes! They have the highest starch content, giving them a perfect fluffy texture when baked or mashed. Red potatoes have a waxy texture, so they would be best used for roasting, boiling, or in a potato salad. Because their skin is so thin, it is not necessary to peel them.

White potatoes are great for any occasion, since they have medium starch levels with a smooth texture. They work great for anything from mashed potatoes to frying. Yukon potatoes, specifically Yukon Golds, have a creamy and buttery texture, making them great for roasting, mashing, or potato soup. They have a natural golden color and a rich taste that is slightly more decadent. Lastly, Fingerling potatoes are unique and small in size and have a waxy texture. They are perfect for roasting since they hold their shape well, making any dish look fancy!