Yukon Golds Or Russets For Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
I already wrote about what kind of potatoes to choose for mashed potatoes. But since this was more of a general look into the types of potatoes this is where I will try to get specific. I browsed the Internet looking for different suggestion – which potato variety is best for mashed potatoes. It seems that two most commonly used are Yukon Gold and Russets. And the general consent is that Yukon Gold is best. Why?
Bot Russets and Yukon Golds are starchy potatoes – that means lots of starch and less water. What does that mean? More starch means fuller potato cells which give fluffier texture.
But still, just comparing Russets and Yukon Golds, Russets have more starch than Yukon Golds, which are more of all-purpose potatoes. And most cooks say they are best for making mashed potatoes. So if you can get them, try them. If not, don’t worry, your mashed potatoes recipe will taste just fine.
I don’t understand this article… you say in the first paragraph that Yukon Golds are the best. Then in the last paragraph, it seems that you are saying that Russets are best (according to most cooks). So which is it?
Comment by Kevin — November 24, 2009 @ 11:42 am
And if Russets have more starch than Yukon Gold, that means fluffier mashed potatoes, right? So are Russets best or what?
Comment by Kevin — November 24, 2009 @ 11:43 am
Yeah it is a little confusing. Sorry about that. Let me explain – most recipes suggest that you should use Yukon Golds, but when you check out what professional cooks are saying lots of them claim Russets are best. And… the more starch the better? This is also a bit confusing, since some people complain that to much starch gives starchy flavour. Anyway… I don’t think there is a straight answer here but I guess both give tasty mashed potatoes :)!
Comment by admin — November 25, 2009 @ 3:47 am
stop being idiots….is say the general consent is yukon gold…..read further, if you can, it says russets have more starch therefore they are fluffier…stop trying to make a good thing bad. Use your yukons and have bad potatoes i will continue to use russet.
Comment by Jarod — November 26, 2009 @ 10:52 am
Okay seriously are you people really arguing over mashed potatoes? Maybe it is time to get out a bit more don’t you think?
Comment by Jennifer — February 4, 2010 @ 3:25 pm