Once upon a time, grocery stores would sell potatoes under generic names. "Boiling
Potatoes" and \u201cBaking Potatoes\u201d were labels that were created to aid shoppers in finding
a certain potato for a specific meal. Times have changed and now labels like Idaho,
Yukon Gold and Red Bliss appear in the local markets. What is the difference between
these potatoes?

There are three major categories that potatoes are divided into with texture being the deciding factor. The main reason that potatoes have different textures is the amount of starch contained in each variety of potato.

Also known as \u201cbaking\u201d potatoes, this group contains more total starch than the other
types.
These potatoes have a dry, granulose texture.

Look for potatoes that are firm yet free of green spots, cracks or other blemishes. It\u2019s
preferable to buy your potatoes loose versus in a bag so you can spend some time and
inspect each potato. Shy away from potatoes already wrapped in plastic bags. The plastic
act like a greenhouse and cause premature rotting, sprouting and softness.