White Potatoes

White potatoes, also commonly known as Irish potatoes can usually be found in two divergent shapes. There is a longer variety with silky smooth skin and a bright white look. There is also the round variety with the shape of a baseball. These round potatoes have white to light tan skin. Both of these types of potatoes are of the waxy type and have white flesh inside. White Potatoes are pretty much known as an all-purpose potato because of its many uses.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Solanales
• Family: Solanaceae
• Genus: Solanum
• Species: S. Tuberosum
• Binomial name: Solanum Tuberosum

White Potato Trivia

• Potatoes are known to be the most crucial crop in the world other than cereal. It is the fourth most important crop overall as the more important are considered corn, wheat, and rice.
• Potatoes are eighty percent of water.
• Potatoes can also be used to brew alcoholic beverages such as potcheen, akvavit, and vodka.

White Potato Buying Guide

Picking up potatoes in any different variety is pretty much the same. Try picking up those that are dense with no dark or soft spots. You should also avoid those that have a greenish tan as they comprise toxic alkaloids, the potatoes obtain these when there is too much exposure to the sun. Also, avoid old potatoes, these are easily noticed as they’re beginning to sprout. 

White Potato Production & Farming in Texas

Potatoes are grown pretty much anywhere in Texas. The largest commercial acreage in Texas regions are located in The High Plains – Panhandle; The Upper Coast – Winter Garden; The Rolling Plains – Munday, and the Rio Grande Valley. In the Rio Grande Valley, the plantings begin in late December and harvests start off in April. The Winter Garden commences its plantings in mid-January and harvests in late April. The Rolling Plains begins to plant potatoes in mid-February and they harvest in early June. While the High Plains start their planting last in late February. Which means they harvest in by mid to late June.

Pesticide:

Woefully, the average potato has a higher level of pesticides than any other crop. Most of the time, people peel potatoes doing so does reduce the number of pesticides. You should go for organic potatoes if you’re looking to acquire most nutrients from them without pesticides involved.

Geography:

The potatoes were used by South Americans long ago. The first potatoes were domesticated in the region of what is now Southern Peru, and northwestern Bolivia. They were domesticated between the year 8000 and 5000 BC. Since then, it was spread all around the world.

For the best production of white potatoes, they need full exposure to the sun. They do best in a well-drained and a bit acid soil. Before planting, remove everything unnecessary from the soil and put the soil 36 inches apart from each other. Apply most of the fertilizer before planting. In most areas of Texas, plant potatoes in February or early March. While the potatoes are growing, constantly keep the soil moisture. When the skin of the potatoes becomes firm and when the top starts dying, it should be the indicator that your potatoes are ready for harvest.

Packaging:

Packaging potatoes isn’t really that big of a deal since you can place them in almost anything. Jute bags, film bags, woven bags, net bags, trays, and paper bags are just to name a few.

Enjoying White Potatoes

As is the case with any other variety of potatoes, white potatoes can be prepared in many different ways. They can be roasted, boiled, mashed, streamed, or they can be used to prepare potato soups, casserole dishes, or in a crockpot.

Storage:

Potatoes should be stored in dark, cool, and humid places. The perfect place to store potatoes is an unheated basement. A shed or an insulated garage can be a good alternative. Never store potatoes in the fridge.

Cooking:

For white crispy potatoes, it is all up to your preference as always but the best way is to roast them at high temperatures for the foremost golden results. Roast them for around 45-55 minutes and turn them a couple of times. Potatoes can be used as a main dish, but they’re best used as a side dish. You can combine them with prime rib roast, salmon, beef brisket, or pork tenderloin.

When Are White Potatoes in Season in Texas?