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A potato for every occasion

By Branston NPD team

People often ask us to explain about different types or varieties of potatoes and why they’re good for different things.

There are thousands of different potato varieties in the world, but in the UK we grow around 90 different ones. The most popular variety by far in the UK is Maris Piper – mainly because it’s such a great all-rounder. 

You’ll usually find Maris Piper named quite clearly on the pack. The same goes for King Edward. It’s a traditional variety with a floury texture that makes fantastic fluffy roasties. Most other varieties aren’t that obvious. In our supermarkets you’ll usually spuds categorised into White potatoes, Bakers, Red potatoes and Salad or Baby potatoes.

White and Baking potatoes can often have the same variety of potatoes in both bags, but they’ve been sorted according to size. So the Bakers will all be a fairly uniform large size, whereas the bag of Whites will contain more of a range of medium to small spuds. They’re often more economical and if size isn’t important to the way you’re preparing them then they’re perfect. 

Most Whites and Bakers are suitable for a whole range of cooking – roasties, chips, wedges, mash,  gratin – they soften down when boiled and crisp up with roasting or frying.

Red-skinned potato varieties are also very versatile, although they tend to be a little bit moister and smoother than most white potatoes. This makes them particularly good for mash or any dish that needs a creamy texture.

New, Baby or Salad potatoes are a selected range of varieties that are smaller, with a smooth dense texture.  They are perfect for potato salad or any dish that requires them to hold their shape when cooked.  They’re fantastic when they’re freshly harvested and the skins are still immature. Like this they are traditional New potatoes, with a soft and fluffy skin that just rubs off with your thumb.

We let some of the New potatoes mature a little longer in the ground so the skin firms up. They’ll keep better like this so we can have Baby or Salad potatoes (they’re not officially ‘new’ like this) available for longer.  

For our Seasonal Spuds recipes we’ve split potatoes into three broad categories to help you choose the best type for each recipe: White/Baking potatoes are great for the majority of the recipes. We’ve suggested Red potatoes where a creamier texture works better, but you could substitute Whites. We’ve specified Baby/Salad or New potatoes for any recipes where you need a smaller firm potato that holds its shape when cooked and still keeps its great texture when cooled and eaten as a salad.  

Check out our recipes!

Bowl of Potato Tteokbokki
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Potato Tteokbokki

Traditionally Korean rice cakes, there are 2 varieties which are made from rice flour and wheat flour. I made these from potatoes and used potato starch to give it that chewy texture. This is eaten all year round.
Sweet Potato Truffles
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Sweet Potato Truffles

Perfect for Valentine's Day, our sweet potato truffles are easy to make and are the perfect dessert for a romantic two or three course meal.
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Vegan spiral sweet potato bake

Set in a mesmerising ringed pattern, this vegan sweet potato bake is simple to make, eye-catching and tastes as good as it looks.
Vegan sweet potato and bean chilli
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Easy vegan chilli

Fresh and healthy, this sweet potato chilli is packed full of flavour and makes the perfect dinner or lunch.
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Corned beef cheesy filled potato cakes

This deliciously cheesy recipe will be a treat to your tastebuds - a perfect bite for all the family.
Vegan couscous salad with sweet potato
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Vegan couscous salad with sweet potato

This recipe is the perfect mix of sweet and savoury and it's super easy!
Masaman curry, using Cornish new potatoes.
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Vegan massaman curry

This smooth yet spicy vegan curry packs a tasty punch. It's filled with New potatoes and peanuts and is the perfect mid-week meal.
asian style vegan stir-fry potatoes
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Asian-Style Vegan Stir-fry Potatoes

This asian-inspired dish proves just how versatile potatoes can be.
Vegan potato curry with aubergine and pomegranate
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Vegan potato curry

Here's a delicious vegan curry that incorporates some exquisite flavours and spices.
Halloween sweet potato biscuits on plate
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Spooktacular sweet potato biscuits

Make a batch of these simple and spooky sweet potato biscuits and get creative with your icing. These scary bites are perfect for a Halloween party.
potato stuffed portobello mushrooms
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Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Here’s a delicious and filling vegetarian snack, ideal for impressing friends or family. Perfect for fans of rich earthy tastes.
Sweet potato pumpkin cupcakes on stand
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Sweet potato cupcakes

Bake up a batch of these eye-catching Halloween sweet potato cupcakes with cute pumpkin decorations. Ideal for a party buffet or a seasonal sweet treat.

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