Common Types of Potatoes

The most widely consumed of all vegetables, potatoes are a nutritious, low-calorie source of carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin C, and their skins are high in fiber.

Russets

Russets (such as Idahos) are elliptical in shape and marked by a thick, rough brown skin with numerous eyes. Low in moisture and high in starch, they make excellent, fluffy mashed potatoes; because they tend to be a bit dry and mealy, they benefit from the addition of butter and milk or cream, which they absorb easily. To avoid gluey mashed potatoes, mix firmly but as briefly as possible.