Table of Contents
Are you confused about the differences between Idaho potatoes and Russet potatoes? You’re not alone. While they both share many similarities, they also have some unique key distinctions that can make all the difference when it comes to cooking. Whether you’re a budding chef or an experienced home cook, understanding these potato varieties can help guide your food choices for meals with an unforgettable taste.
So let’s learn the difference between Idaho and Russet Potatoes!
What are Idaho Potatoes?
Idaho potatoes are known for their thick, brown skin and white, creamy interior. They are also slightly larger than Russet potatoes, averaging anywhere between 6-10 ounces in size. Idaho potatoes have a high starch content, making them ideal for baking and frying as they hold their shape well when cooked.
What are Russet Potatoes?
Russets on the other hand, have a light brown skin with a slightly mealy texture inside. Compared to Idaho potatoes, Russets tend to be thinner-skinned and smaller in size, often weighing an average of 4-6 ounces each. Because of their fluffy texture and low moisture content, these potatoes make great mashed or baked potatoes — perfect for loading up with your favorite toppings!
Appearance
Shape
Idaho potatoes are rounder and more oblong in shape while Russets have a slightly longer and oval-shaped form. Meanwhile, Idaho potatoes have a thicker and rougher skin compared to Russet potatoes which tend to be thin-skinned with small eyes all over their surface.
Size
Idaho potatoes are larger than Russets and weigh anywhere between 6-10 ounces each, while the latter typically range in size from 4-6 ounces.
Color
Idaho potatoes have a darker brown skin, whereas Russet potatoes tend to be lighter in color with small eyes scattered across its surface. The inside of both varieties is generally white or cream-colored.
Texture & Taste
Idaho potatoes have a creamy texture that holds up well when cooked, making them ideal for baking and frying dishes. Meanwhile, Russet potatoes have a fluffy interior which makes them perfect for mashed or baked potato recipes. As far as taste is concerned, both Idaho and Russet potatoes have a mild flavor that can easily be spruced up with your favorite herbs and spices.
Nutritional Content
Calories and Fat content
Idaho potatoes contain approximately 110 calories and 0 grams of fat per serving. Meanwhile, Russet potatoes come in at around 160 calories and 0.5 grams of fat per serving, making the latter a slightly higher calorie option.
Carbohydrates & Fiber
Idaho potatoes have 22g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber per serving while Russets contain a slightly higher amount of carbohydrates at 28g and fiber content of 3g.
Vitamins and Minerals
Both Idaho and Russet potatoes are excellent sources of vitamin C, providing about 19% of the recommended daily intake for each variety. Additionally, both types offer a good source of potassium and iron, as well as other essential minerals.
Cooking Uses
Baking
Idaho potatoes are the perfect choice for baking dishes that require a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Alternatively, Russet potatoes are ideal for making loaded baked potatoes with a light and fluffy texture.
Frying
When it comes to frying dishes, Idaho potatoes hold up well when cooked due to their high starch content. On the other hand, Russets are best suited for recipes that require thin-sliced potatoes such as French fries or hash browns.
Mashing & Roasting
For mashed potato recipes, Russet potatoes make the perfect choice due to their fluffy texture. Similarly, roasting is best done with Idaho potatoes as they will hold their shape and stay firm when cooked.
Storage Tips and Life Span
Both Idaho and Russet potatoes should be stored in a cool and dark location with plenty of air circulation. Additionally, it is important to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat as this can cause them to spoil more quickly. When stored properly, both types of potatoes will last up to 2-3 months before they start to go bad.
Which One Is Healthier?
When it comes to nutrition, both Idaho and Russet potatoes offer a good source of essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fiber. That being said, Idaho potatoes are slightly lower in calories than Russets which may make them the better choice for those who are watching their calorie intake.
Frequently Asked Questions | Idaho vs Russet Potatoes
1. What is the main difference between Idaho and Russet potatoes?
The primary difference between Idaho potatoes and Russet potatoes can be found in their texture. Idaho potatoes are firmer and less mealy than Russet potatoes, making them an ideal choice for baking, mashing, roasting, or French fries.
2. What kind of cooking methods work best with Idaho and Russet potatoes?
Idaho potatoes are great for baking or roasting because they maintain their shape when cooked. They also hold up well to boiling or steaming to create a creamy mashed potato dish. On the other hand, Russet potatoes are best for frying or baking because their soft texture makes them easy to mash into fluffy perfection.
3. Are Idaho and Russet potatoes good for making potato chips?
Idaho potatoes don’t typically make the best potato chips because they hold their shape too well when fried. Russet potatoes, on the other hand, are an excellent choice for making potato chips as their softer texture allows them to become extra crispy when cooked.
4. Do Idaho and Russet potatoes have a similar nutritional content?
Yes, both Idaho and Russet potatoes contain roughly the same amount of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, dietary fiber, iron, phosphorus, and calcium. However, Idaho potatoes are slightly lower in calories than Russets.
5. How do I know if my potato is an Idaho or a russet?
Typically, Idaho potatoes have a rougher, brown skin with some small eyes. On the other hand, Russet potatoes usually have smooth and more uniform light brown skin with larger eyes.
6. Is it possible to use Idaho and Russet potatoes interchangeably in recipes?
Yes, it is definitely possible to switch out one type of potato for the other depending on what you are making. However, keep in mind that their different textures may yield slightly different results when cooked.
7. How can I store Idaho and Russet potatoes properly?
Both Idaho and Russet potatoes should be stored in a cool dark place that has good ventilation such as an unheated garage or basement. Make sure they are away from direct sunlight and not in a humid environment. Additionally, the potatoes should be kept in a paper bag or breathable container to maintain maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
In summation, deciding between Idaho vs Russet potatoes boils down to individual preference. While both potatoes are great for baking, mashing, and roasting, you may find that Idaho potatoes retain their shape better than Russets. Additionally, Idaho potatoes have slightly lower glycemic indexes due to the content of nutrients. Knowing these differences may give you an advantage when it comes to selecting a potato for a specific dish or purpose.
Read more at Ohsnap Cupcakes!