RUSSET BURBANK

Most people throughout the United States and the World identify Idaho as "The Potato State" because of this single potato variety. This potato variety was developed in the late 1800's by a Massachusetts man named Luther Burbank and didn't find its way to Idaho until the early 1900's.

 

The Russet Burbank is a much slower maturing potato than the Dark Red Norland and Yukon Gold potatoes. However, they have much higher yields in comparison.

 

The Russet Burbank's elongated shape and thick skin make it a very versatile potato. The most common uses for the Russet Burbank potato are BAKING, MASHING, and FRENCH FRYING.

 

DARK RED NORLANDThe Dark Red Norland is a variant of the Norland potato which was developed in North Dakota in the 1960's. This red skinned/white fleshed potato is well known for its early maturation (70-90 days). It is a medium yielding potato with distinct red-purple flower blossoms.

 

Because of its more circular, uniform shape, the Dark Red Norland's uses vary compared to the Russet Burbank. Over the years, most varieties of Red potatoes have been marketed as fresh potatoes. However, they are gaining popularity as dehydrated (instant) potatoes. Traditionally, they are most commonly used for POTATO SALADS, FRYING, and MASHING .


YUKON GOLD This yellow skinned/yellow fleshed potato was developed in Canada in the early 1980's. Shallow, pink eyes are a uniqute characteristic of this variety. It is a medium to low yielding potato with a slighty slower maturation time than the Dark Red Norlands.

 

Despite being on the market for over 25 years, it hasn't been until the last decade that the Yukon Golds have caught on amongst American consumers. Much of its popularity is due to their unique yellow flesh, which many consumers feel provides a naturally buttery flavor.

 

Because of the Yukon Gold's uniform shape and visual appeal, they are almost exclusively marketed as a fresh potato. Their common uses are MASHING, FRENCH FRYING, and BOILING.


DID YOU KNOW?
  • Potato plants typically will not produce new potatoes until about 10 weeks after being planted (mid-July).
  • Once a potato is planted, it typically takes it 3 weeks to sprout and break through the soil.
  • The Grace School District continues to postpone classes for 2 weeks in September for the potato harvest. This was once common for school districts throughout Idaho, but Grace is now one of the few districts to still do so.