What Are Blue Potatoes: The Complete Guide
Rich in antioxidants and versatile in the kitchen, blue potatoes offer a unique twist on a classic staple. Learn about their origin, health benefits, growing tips, and recipes.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the unique characteristics and health benefits of blue potatoes, including antioxidant power
- Explore popular varieties such as All Blue, Adirondack Blue, and Peruvian Purple for gardening or cooking.
- Learn tips to grow these heirloom cultivars plus five recipe ideas to unlock their full flavor potential.
Discovering Blue Potatoes
Blue potatoes (otherwise known as purple, variety or coloured potatoes) are a great option for regular varieties of potatoes.
The unique colouring is due to the anthocyanin pigments contained within both their flesh and skin that provide them with either a blue or vibrant purple tone.
The nutritional value includes antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
Originally from South America, blue potatoes are becoming more common in gardens and kitchens. The color comes from anthocyanin pigmentation that is found both in the flesh and the skin. Popular species include Arran Victory (introduced in Scotland in 1918), Adirondack blue (2003 in the United States), and Russian Blue (unknown year of introduction).
Essential minerals like potassium and iron for energy while remaining low fat at the same time.
Dietary fiber found within them helps promote digestion and gut well-being.
High concentration of antioxidants (anthocyanin specifically) which help battle against inflammation but also may reduce one’s risk of heart disease or cancer-related issues.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Blue potatoes, distinguished by their bright hue due to anthocyanin pigments which are also found in blueberries, boast impressive antioxidant activity.
Compared with other fruits and vegetables they can contain two or three times more antioxidants making them a great choice nutritionally as well as aesthetically.
Research has demonstrated that the polyphenol antioxidants present may provide positive benefits such as reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and cancer prevention plus regulation of blood pressure levels.
Nutritional Profile
Blue potatoes are an excellent source of essential nutrients, boasting a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
They contain vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and iron – all beneficial elements to include in one’s daily diet.
These spuds offer dietary fiber as well as protein along with other powerful compounds that can help guard against diseases caused by cell damage from harmful free radicals found in the body.
To make sure you gain maximum nutrition out of blue potatoes it is advisable to store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight or any type of exposure which could lead to spoiling for much longer than if left in the open air.
Overall blue potatoes provide many nourishing advantages when consumed regularly due to their rich content such as Vitamin C Potassium Magnesium Iron Fiber Protein plus Anti-oxidants making this special coloured potato a nutritious powerhouse!
Popular Blue and Purple Potato Varieties
For gardening and cooking, multiple blue and purple potato varieties can be utilized which all have their own unique qualities and taste.
Out of these commonly cultivated types are All Blue, Adirondack Blue, plus Peruvian Purple.
Making it possible to inject a variety of colors into your garden!
The multitude of benefits for well-being along with the possibilities in cuisine they bring also make them really attractive.
Not only do potatoes that have such hues create an eye-catching display but there’s much more than meets the eye as each individual type brings something different when cooked or prepared!
All Blue
The famous All Blue potato also referred to as ‘Purple Marker’, is an heirloom variety with dazzling blue skin and flesh.
With their oblong shape and white inner ring around the soft texture within, mashed or fried dishes made from this vegetable can be incredibly delicious!
Adirondack Blue
Developed by Cornell University, Adirondack Blue potatoes are a dependable type that boasts glossy blue skin and dark blue flesh.
Not only beautiful in appearance, they also offer numerous health benefits thanks to their high antioxidant content which can aid the prevention of inflammation and other chronic diseases.
Peruvian Purple
The Peruvian Purple is an heirloom variety of blue potatoes that bear a distinct purple skin and flesh.
Its small fingerling shape makes it versatile for many kitchen dishes, plus its early maturity offers high yields to boot.
When cooked, the potato’s vibrant display rivals even yellow-flesh potatoes thanks to the beautiful blue hue tinged with slight purple tones offered by this unique spud!
Not only does it have eye appeal but also provides loads of flavor in each bite as well – a win-win situation all around when utilizing these gorgeous yet hearty tubers!
Blue Sapphire
The Blue Sapphire was created by scientists at Agriculture Canada.
The goal was to create a purple-fleshed potato load with the highest anti-oxidant levels and also fryable.
The Blue Sapphire is loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients and is ideal for roasting, boiling, and frying.
Growing Blue Potatoes: Tips and Techniques
Planting seed potatoes followed by tending carefully to their growth as plants and then gathering and storing them will give you delicious outcomes for any dish that requires an ingredient like this unique variety of potato.
Growing such distinctive vegetables is quite achievable with the correct strategy – so if one desires a successful result in harvesting blue spuds from your garden plot, using proper techniques should bring about very pleasing results!
Planting Seed Potatoes
Blue potatoes need high-quality seeds to be successfully grown.
Planting should take place during mild climates, with a spacing of 10 inches between each potato (12 inches is ideal if you have the space) and the soil needing to have a pH range of 6.0 up to 6.5 for ideal growth conditions.
Purple potatoes are known to be a bit more sensitive with a lower yield than regular potatoes, so they require a bit more attention.
Incorporating sulfur into this same soil will reduce its alkalinity levels, and we recommend using whole tubers, instead of cutting them into chunks.
Days to maturity are about 80-100 in the summer and 90-110 in the fall/winter and ideal growing temperatures are 45 degrees F to 75 degrees F with a minimum of 6 hours of daily sunlight.
Caring for Blue Potato Plants
For a successful harvest, taking proper care of blue potato plants is essential. Soil temperature should be about 45 degrees F for planting.
In order to cultivate these potatoes correctly, one should harvest them and protect them from direct sunlight exposure.
It’s important to regularly observe the plant for any indicators of pest problems or infection since they can suffer from the same complications as other types such as white or yellow-flesh tubers.
The best way to look after blue spuds includes giving soil high in organic matter, keeping it constantly moistened throughout the growth season, and trimming back its foliage by one-third every autumn time period.
Blue potatoes need about 1 inch of water per week (similar to other potatoes). Be sure to be consistent with that.
Harvesting and Storing
Harvesting blue potatoes properly and preserving them correctly can lead to a great-tasting crop.
When the weather is warm, remove carefully from the soil using tools such as forks or shovels.
Refrain from washing them in order for storage benefits.
To cure these vegetables, place them in a cool area with no light that has adequate airflow for two weeks prior to storing.
It should be kept dark and cold during long-term keeping of the potatoes until they are ready to eat!
Cooking with Blue Potatoes
Blue potatoes are a dynamic addition to cooking and offer an array of possibilities.
You can boil ‘em, fry ‘em, roast ‘em, or mash em, either way, they bring excitement to the table!
Versatile Culinary Uses
The distinctive shade and texture of blue potatoes provide a wealth of culinary opportunities.
Boiled, they can be included in salads or mashed varieties.
Roasted versions serve well as side dishes or garnishes for primary courses. The profound hue has the capability to enhance any meal with its regal sophistication instantly transforming it into an exquisite gastronomic delight!
No matter how you prepare them, their unusual color is guaranteed to add interest and flavor, not only to your plates but also to visual aesthetics which makes everything taste that much better!
Looking for a new way to enjoy blue potatoes? Check out these recipes that highlight the unique color and flavor of this vegetable. You can try a couple of recipes:
Crispy Baked Smashed Blue Potatoes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 700 grams of blue potatoes
- Pepper
- Salt
- Fresh parsley
- Bring water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Place potatoes in water for 20-25 minutes (until potatoes are soft).
- Drain potatoes and let cool for 6-8 minutes.
- Have oven ready at 350 Fahrenheit (180 Celsius).
- Smash potatoes on a baking sheet, and brush with butter and olive oil (1/4 of a teaspoon per potato.
- Sprinkle pepper and salt.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Serve hot and apply fresh parsley.
Seared Cod Piperade served with Roasted Blue Potatoes
- 10 ounces of Blue Potatoes
- 2 Cod Fillets
- 3 Cloves of Garlic
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- 1 Large Bunch of Parsley
- 1 Yellow Onion
- 1 Heirloom Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 Tablespoons Sherry Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Marcona Almonds
- 1 Teaspoon Piment d’Espelette
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place sliced potatoes (bite-sized) onto a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil.
- Season with pepper and salt.
- Roast for 23-27 minutes.
- Remove and set aside.
- While the potatoes have been roasting, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium heat.
- Add peppers, onions, and garlic, stirring occasionally for 13-17 minutes.
- While the piperade cooks, heat a dry pan on medium until hot. Add Marcona almonds and toast. Add chopped parsley and olive oil.
- Stir in a splash of vinegar.
- Increase the piperade to medium-high.
- Add the tomato paste, stirring regularly. Add remaining vinegar and ¼ cup of water.
- Stir frequently until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and season with pepper and salt.
- Pat the cod fillets dry. In the same pans as the toasted nuts, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and cook each side of the cod 5-7 minutes.
Summary
From their vibrant South American origins to their impressive health benefits and delicious culinary versatility, blue potatoes are a valuable addition to any garden and kitchen. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this complete guide, you can successfully grow and enjoy these unique, antioxidant-rich tubers. So, why not introduce a touch of color to your plate and join the superfood revolution?
Frequently Asked Questions
No they are not just grown in South America
Where do blue potatoes come from?
Native to South America, blue potatoes exhibit a distinctive hue of both purple and blue due to the anthocyanin pigment present in them. This same component can also be seen in other foods like eggplants, red cabbage, and blackberries which all share the deep-colored characteristic.
Why are blue potatoes blue?
Blue potatoes, have a blue hue due to anthocyanin pigments in the skin and flesh of these vegetables, are nutritionally dense. Packed with potassium, dietary fiber Vitamin B6 & C, they offer an array of health benefits!
Are blue potatoes the same as sweet potatoes?
Blue potatoes are not to be confused with sweet potatoes, they actually form a distinct variety of potato. Although both these tubers have the same name, blue and sweet potatoes do differ in many respects.
Can blue potatoes be used in the same recipes as regular potatoes?
One can use blue potatoes the same way they would regular ones – boiling, mashing, frying, and roasting for example. These unusual tubers are suitable in all of these classic recipes.
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