Theres one difference between the two that really matters.
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Po-tay-to, Po-tat-oh, right?
With over 5,000 species of potatoes grown worldwide, their diversity is dizzying.
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Two of my very favorites are Russets, or Idaho potatoes, and Yukon Golds.
Every year on Thanksgiving, my mother laments my request for Yukon Golds in her mashed potatoes.
She doesnt understand why she cant just use the Russets she invariably already has in her pantry.
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After ten years of responding just because, I decided to bring in an expert.
I spoke with RJ Harvey, a registered dietitian and the Director of Culinary atPotatoes USA.
Harvey has worked in the kitchens of The French Laundry, Alinea, and Daniel.
Safe to say, he knows a thing or two about creating world-class potato dishes.
What Is the Difference Between Yukon Gold Potatoes and Russets Potatoes?
Harvey observes that this is somewhat of an outdated concept.
Potatoes have sort of expanded beyond the classification of waxy versus starchy, he says.
Russets contain significantly less moisture, which allows them to getfluffy when bakedand super crispy when fried.
What Are the Nutritional Differences Between Yukon Golds and Russets?
As for nutrition, Yukon Golds and Russets are nearly identical.
Potatoes are an incredibly nutritionally dense food, says Harvey.
Plus, they are free of fat, sodium, and cholesterol.
Talk about a superfood!
Do Yukon Gold and Russet Potatoes Taste Different?
Yellow potatoes do have slightly more sweetness which helps with the perceived buttery flavor, he notes.
With their thin skins, yellow potatoes dont have the same earthiness as Russets.
The mild flavor makes Russets very versatile.
The flesh is also pure white, which plays into how we taste them.
They are often described as almost floury in texture.
Can You Use Yukon Gold and Russet Potatoes Interchangeably in Recipes?
That said, there are certain dishes that are better designed for one or the other variety.
Going for cloudlike gnocchi?
Choose a Russet potato.
For super velvety mashed potatoes, reach for the yellow spuds.
Just dont tell my mom!
