Why Are Baking Potatoes Differnet From Ordinary Potatoes ?

[dieseldick]

just bought 4 medium sized baking spuds in tesco, they look the same as any other pototo so im wondering what is the difference if any.

paid 120 for them but could have got a big bag of local spuds for around 170.

[Mamyalynne]

The 4 in a pack Baking Potatoes is more a 'shop' thing really - good size and type for baking.

Simply buy the right spud for the job the cheapest you can.


http://www.finecooking.com/articles/best-potatoes-to-mash-bake-or-boil.aspx

[dieseldick]

as i say i could have bought a bigger bag of good local spuds more cheap.


so all in all a spud is a spud lol

[woofgang]

you want a fluffy type though, not a "new" type....I favour King Teds or Roosters. I never buy the packaged bakers as they are too big and the ratio of skin to inner is wrong.

[EDDIE51]

The variety of potato is very important!
http://www.finecooking.com/articles/best-potatoes-to-mash-bake-or-boil.aspx
It all depends on the starch level !

[EDDIE51]

This is a better link
Maris piper is what I would recommend, and a potato is not just a potato!
You need to choose the correct variety for what you want to do with them!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/theperfectbakedpotat_67837

[Gavmacp]

I have been told not to keep spuds in fridge and boil with cold water. I don't and really don't notice any difference.