Are certain types of potato better for boiling/roasting, etc

[Mobsta]

Are certain types of potato better for roasting?
This is my main question, but Id be keen to learn if the various types available are better for certain things, or should be avoided if being cooked a certain way.

I ask the above on the presumption someone knows something about potatoes I dont know - or are they all the same.

Not sure what type I had tonight, but roasted they just didnt taste very nice, which was bizarre.

[Steffan]

Yes big differences.

King Edwards are reckoned to be the all round best. Desiree and other Red maincrops are good.

Homeguard and Arran Pilot are the best earlies. IMO

[GWC]

King Edward and Desiree are very good for roast Potatoes, Maris Piper are good too.

[Mobile Chicane]

'Floury' varieties like King Edward all the way for roasting or mashing.

'Waxy' varieties like Charlotte, Ratte, Pink Fir Apple or Jersey Royals for steaming, boiling, or salads.

[mattdaniels]

The Heston programme the other night was interesting - he advocated a waxy spud for mashing which somewhat goes against conventional wisdom.

[Mobsta]

Thanks.

Thats 3 votes for King Edward and 2 for Desiree so far.

Turns out the ones I didn't like tonight were Tesco's own.

Who does or does not buy for brand, as opposed to just picking up whatever is best priced (which is what GF does).

[sherman]

A general rule I find is
The redder the potato the better it is for roasting/ frying
The whiter the potato the better it is for mashing/boiling

[Mobile Chicane]

Mobsta said:

Who does or does not buy for brand, as opposed to just picking up whatever is best priced (which is what GF does).

Cough, splutter, spit.

Potatoes are varieties, rather than 'brands'.

Don't buy the cheapest: spuds as a category are cheap enough as it is.

[dazco]

sherman said:

A general rule I find is
The redder the potato the better it is for roasting/ frying
The whiter the potato the better it is for mashing/boiling

where does this rule apply? The flesh, the skin?

[Piglet]

We're on our second sack of Wilja this winter and they are lovely, mash beautifully, lovely roasted and baked and only £5.50 a sack.

IF you must buy from a supermarket at least buy a specific variety, not just white potatoes, you often get a mix of spuds otherwise that cook differently so if you boil them some will fall apart and some will still be hard

[21TonyK]

Mobile Chicane said:

Cough, splutter, spit.

Potatoes are varieties, rather than 'brands'.

Don't buy the cheapest: spuds as a category are cheap enough as it is.

Download, print and take shopping...

http://www.potato.org.uk/sites/default/files/%5Bcu...

Maris Piper is just about the best "all rounder", bakes, roasts and chips well and okay for mash.

[jet_noise]

Dear Mobsta,

mash - Desiree.
roasties - King Teds.

That is all.

Why not Maris Pipers?
Texture is the best and most reliable for roasting but there are somewhat lacking in potato flavour to my 'buds,

regards,
Jet

[CraigMST]

IIRC Tesco's own are labelled white potatoes and somebody said above they are a jumble of different varietys.

[Mobsta]

I honestly had no idea...

21TonyK said:

Download, print and take shopping...

http://www.potato.org.uk/sites/default/files/%5Bcu...

Maris Piper is just about the best "all rounder", bakes, roasts and chips well and okay for mash.

I've downloaded, printed and will give to GF

Handy to know that Maris Piper is the best all rounder. Will try the king teds next too.
Thank you PH!

[sherman]

dazco said:

sherman said:

A general rule I find is
The redder the potato the better it is for roasting/ frying
The whiter the potato the better it is for mashing/boiling

where does this rule apply? The flesh, the skin?

The skin in my experience.

Never seen potatoes with red flesh, only purple ones.

[exocet ape]

http://www.roosterpotatoes.co.uk/

AKA Red Rooster. Very nice roasties to be had.

[Dan_1981]

Maris piper - appaling for mash - lumpy.

Red skinned ones - good for mash

Maris piper though are good for wedges / roasties that sorta thing.

[Cotty]

Dan_1981 said:

Maris piper - appaling for mash - lumpy.

You are doing it wrong.

[Dan_1981]

Cotty said:

Dan_1981 said:

Maris piper - appaling for mash - lumpy.

You are doing it wrong.

I'm awesome at mash.

Last two batches of MP have been terrible.

Change of spuds - awesome mash again.

[Mobile Chicane]

Get a potato ricer. No lumps!