Potatoes come in many varieties, and each type has its own best cooking methods. Here's a guide on how to cook different types of potatoes:

1. Russet Potatoes

• Best for: Baking, mashing, frying

• Cooking Methods:

  • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes, pierce them with a fork, rub with oil, and bake for 45-60 minutes.

  • Mashing: Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter and milk.

  • Frying: Cut into fries or wedges, parboil for 5 minutes, then fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.

2. Yukon Gold Potatoes

• Best for: Mashing, roasting, boiling

• Cooking Methods:

  • Mashing: Boil whole or chopped, then mash for creamy potatoes.

  • Roasting: Cut into wedges or cubes, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.

  • Boiling: Perfect for potato salads, boil whole until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3. Red Potatoes

• Best for: Boiling, roasting, salads

• Cooking Methods:

  • Boiling: Boil whole or halved for potato salads, takes about 15-20 minutes.

  • Roasting: Toss with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.

  • Steaming: Steam whole or halved until tender, then toss with butter and herbs.

4. Fingerling Potatoes

• Best for: Roasting, grilling, salads

• Cooking Methods:

  • Roasting: Toss with olive oil and herbs, then roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes.

  • Grilling: Parboil for 5 minutes, then grill until charred and tender, about 10-15 minutes.

  • Salads: Boil whole until tender, slice, and toss with vinaigrette.

5. Purple Potatoes

• Best for: Roasting, boiling, steaming

• Cooking Methods:

  • Roasting: Slice or cube, toss with oil and spices, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.

  • Boiling: Boil whole for 15-20 minutes until tender, great for salads.

  • Steaming: Steam whole or halved for 20 minutes, then season with herbs.

6. New Potatoes (Red)

• Best for: Boiling, steaming, roasting

• Cooking Methods:

  • Boiling: Boil whole with skins on until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

  • Steaming: Steam until tender, about 20 minutes, then toss with butter and herbs.

  • Roasting: Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes.

7. Sweet Potatoes

• Best for: Baking, roasting, mashing

• Cooking Methods:

  • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), pierce the skin with a fork, and bake for 45-60 minutes.

  • Roasting: Slice into wedges, toss with oil, salt, and spices, then roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.

  • Mashing: Boil peeled and chopped sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes, then mash with butter and a bit of cream.

Each variety has its unique texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment with different cooking methods to find your favorite way to enjoy them!