Specialty Spuds in Idaho?

Can Idaho’s signature crop—the international baking all-star Russet Burbank —make room for smaller more colorful gourmet potatoes?

Just incase, seven UI Extension specialists and educators tested Idaho attitudes and crop yields to help guide potential growers.

Photo above: Among specialty potatoes tested in Idaho trials were: Caribe, All Blue, German Butterball, Yokon Gold, Huckleberry, and Vicking Red. Photo by Nora Olsen.

Nationwide, consumer acceptance of gourmet potatoes is increasing and U.S. Potato Board surveys show customers willing to pay a higher price for quality specialty potatoes. Southern Idaho taste and purchase preferences, evaluated at two farmer’s markets, indicate that Caribe, German Butterball, Yukon Gold, Viking Red, and NorDonna all rank high. Preferences vary with preparation method and location surveyed.

One-year field trials near Kimberly showed Epicure and German Butterball had the highest stem and tuber numbers per plant. Trials also checked for gravity and starch content, predicting best culinary uses.

Examples: Viking Red’s low gravity makes it best for boiling or salads. Yukon Gold’s high gravity makes it more desirable for baking, frying, or roasting.

Find the complete report—CIS 1110, Specialty Potato Production and Marketing in Southern Idaho, by Nora Olsen, JoAnn Robbins, Tina Brandt, Rhea Lanting, Joan Parr, Cammie Jayo, and Christi Falen—free on the web at http://info.ag.uidaho.edu/pdf/CIS/CIS1110.pdf. Or order it ($1.25 plus $1.58 for Idaho tax, shipping and handling) from Ag Publications, 208-885- 7982, or e-mail agpubs@uidaho.edu.

© 2003 University of Idaho, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.