White Potato vs Red Potato – Making A Tasty Difference

Potatoes are an integral part of our eating habits, regardless of the social status. But we have few times thought of whether to pick between white or red potatoes for the simple fact we have never thought there are major differences between the two types other than the aspect. It looks like, depending on what we want to cook, we can select between the two types for a tastier food on the table. Here is more on white potato vs red potato so you know what to use in the kitchen for optimal results.

The texture of the red potatoes makes them fit for salads, soups and garnishes. The white potatoes stand the baking and the frying process much better thanks to their tougher texture. White potatoes are also mashed more easily, unlike the red ones which have a waxy texture.

White potatoes (medium starch) may be round or oval (called long white potatoes). Both are ideal all-purpose varieties. They’re perfect for gratins. Try boiling them just until tender and then cut them into chunks and roast them in a hot oven for tender-fleshed potatoes with irresistibly crisp skins.

Red potatoes (medium to low starch) hold their shape when boiled and sliced. Steam and butter them or use them in potato salads. These are especially attractive and delicious when “new.” Leave the tender skins on to contrast with their white interior, or peel off a spiral band of skin before cooking. Larger, more mature red potatoes tend to have a slightly higher starch content.

One medium-sized baked red potato contains 154 calories, about 34 grams of carbs and less than 1 gram of fat. A medium-sized baked white potato has 163 calories, about 36 grams of carbs and less than 1 gram of fat. Potatoes are a good source of potassium, and a medium-sized baked red potato contains 943 milligrams. That’s 20 percent of the 4,700 milligrams of potassium that adults need each day for healthy muscles and a healthy heart. A medium-sized white potato supplies about the same with 941 milligrams. Either potato supplies about 14 percent of the iron men need each day and 6 percent of what women require.

Sources: Livestrong.com, Finecooking.com