There are over 5000 known varieties of potatoes around the world, offering an incredible array of tastes, textures and appearances. In the U.S., the potato industry commonly segments the category into eight main types of potatoes: Reds, Russets, Yellows, Whites, Purples, Fingerlings, Petites and Sweets. Black Gold Farms specializes in growing two of the most popular types: Red potatoes and Sweet potatoes. How many of these types have you tried, either at home or when dining out? How many different types do you have on hand in your pantry right now?

Introducing consumers to the amazing selection of potato possibilities is one of the biggest opportunities that the fresh potato industry has, but two situations are working against us. One is that most food retailers only stock the basic 4-5 potato types, limiting the selection available to their shoppers and preventing them from discovering the full gamut of tastes and textures that America’s favorite vegetable can offer to them. The other limitation is you, and the assortment that you’re stocking in your own pantry.

Although roughly two-thirds of American households have fresh potatoes on hand at this very moment, the average household is only stocking 1.2 types of potatoes (that is, most households have only one potato type on hand, and a minority of households keep more than one type in their pantries). Why? Because so many consumers persist in believing that potatoes are all very similar, and that any potato can be used interchangeably in their recipes and serving occasions. This limited thinking makes so many Americans miss out on the enjoyment of matching the right potato type to the usage occasion, or from the culinary adventure of experimenting with different potato types to make the same recipe.

Yet most Americans routinely keep numerous types on cheese on hand to use in differing situations, or stock different varieties of dressings to add interest to their salads. American pantries are filled with multiple varieties of breakfast cereals, as well as different types of crackers and even selections of hot sauces. And I won’t even mention the dizzying array of spices and seasonings found in the cupboard of the average American house!

Just as you wouldn’t dream of only having salt as the only seasoning in your house, challenge yourself to keep more than one type of potato on hand (we’d recommend always having Red potatoes and Sweet potatoes on hand for starters). Then mix it up, and try using different types in your potato preparations. Many people swear by using Reds for baked potatoes, or mashing Red potatoes for a delightfully different creamy texture. And while French fries from Sweet potatoes has become commonplace, try cutting Sweet potatoes into wedges and roasting them, or using Sweets for potato salad or as scalloped potatoes.

Open yourself up to experiencing the deliciously different flavors and textures that various potato types can offer you, and then share your discovery with your friends and family members. America’s potato growers – Black Gold Farms included – are eager to produce ever more interesting assortments to choose from, but retailers won’t stock more options until their customers are demanding a wider selection to choose from.  The possibilities are nearly endless, but it all starts with you purchasing a different type of potato to keep on hand at home.

Bon appétit!