The Best Potato for Making French fries
There are so many potato varieties in the world, but not all potatoes will produce good french fries. Whenever you are wondering what is the best potato for making french fries, the answer is the Russet potato. The word “russet” means “rough,” Russet potato is long and large potatoes with brown, thick and rough skin as well as white and dry flesh. It is its high starch and low moisture content that makes Russets excellent for French fries. The high solids content ensures a distinct, mealy texture and hearty flavor, as well as less oil absorption, producing crispier fries, while the low moisture content means less shrinkage for improved yield and extended plate coverage.
Russet Potato and Idaho Potato
Idaho potato is known throughout the world. “Idaho potato” or “Grown in Idaho” are seals of certifications which have been federally registered by the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC). Idaho potato differentiates from other potatoes grown in other states for its rich, volcanic soil, long, a mild growing season in the summer and irrigation. Russets are also grown in other states of the U.S.. Although it is the most grown and most well-known potato in Idaho, more than 25 varieties of potato are grown there, and an Idaho potato can be any potato grown in Idaho. Russet Burbank is the potato that made Idaho famous, and it is the most popular variety of Idaho potato by far.
Russet Varieties
Actually, there are also many varieties for Russets, while most of them will produce good french fries. Here we list some of Russets primarily for French fries: Shepody, Ranger Russet, Alta Russet, Alturas, Butte, Defender, Frontier Russet, Goldrush, Krantz, Lemhi Russet, Nooksack, Peribonka, Trent. McCain Branded French Fries are made from Shepody, Ranger Russet, and, the same with McDonald’s, who buys more than 3.4 billion pounds of U.S. potatoes annually for french fries, and Russet Burbank is the top choice of McDonald’s for its excellent storage qualities as well as consistent texture and taste, which makes it the perfect french-fry potato.
Although Russet Burbank is susceptible to sugar end, which results in unattractively dark fries due to caramelization during the frying process, while other breeds like Umatilla Russets don’t have this problem, the issue is more than balanced by the positive aspects of Burbank Russets.
Nutritional Value of Russet Potato
Russet potatoes are rich in vitamins C and B6 and have one of the highest antioxidant levels of any tuber variety. They also contain a considerable amount of iron, protein, and fiber which occur predominantly in the peel.
Other Usage of Russet Potato
The characteristics, low moisture, and high starch content, which make Russets best potatoes for French fries, also give them superior baking qualities, while Russets are famous as the baking potato. Besides, Russets also make first-rate fluffy mashed potatoes. Russets are specifically not used for making potato chips.
