Red Potatoes Vs White

White potatoes are the most common potato used in the home.

The potato is a cool season vegetable that, along with wheat and rice, is one of the most important staple crops in the human diet, according to University of Illinois Extension. Red and white potatoes are the most common potatoes used for cooking.

Features

White potatoes, such as the Green Mountain potato, have rough skin and are commonly used as a baking potato. They are irregularly shaped with numerous eyes. Red potatoes are smooth with bright pinkish-red skin. They have very few eyes and are often fried or used in potato salad.

Selection

When selecting potatoes of any variety, the skin should be firm and without bruises or soft spots. Do not eat potatoes that have begun to sprout. Avoid potatoes with green skin. These potatoes have received too much sunlight and will not be as flavorful. The skins contain a mild toxic chemical, called solanin. Solanin can cause headaches, stomach cramps and dizziness even in small amounts.

Benefits

Red potatoes are lower in calories and higher in protein than white potatoes. They are both fat-free and high in fiber and potassium. They also contain vitamin C, iron and calcium.

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