Are Yellow Potatoes the Same as Yukon Gold? (2024)

FAQs

Are Yellow Potatoes the Same as Yukon Gold? ›

So, when you're at the store and see yellow potatoes and Yukon Gold sitting right next to each other, those two potatoes are different genetically, but they can be used for the same things without noticing much of a difference.

So, when you're at the store and see yellow potatoes and Yukon Gold sitting right next to each other, those two potatoes are different genetically, but they can be used for the same things without noticing much of a difference.

The naturally smooth buttery texture makes delicious baked, roasted, or mashed potatoes. Simmer yellow potatoes until fully cooked, drain, chill, and gently “smash” into flat disks. Brown these in oil or clarified butter and serve as a side or appetizer.

Yukon gold, or yellow potatoes, are the all-rounder winners of the spud race. Easily identified by its smooth, slightly waxy skin, the Yukon gold is one of the most commonly found spud varieties. It's a pantry staple for its combination of starchy and waxy properties, which allows it to be well suited for most recipes.

The simple answer is that Yukon Gold potatoes are not a popular variety with potato growers due to their susceptibility to a number of diseases. While still grown by some farmers, a vast majority have turned to other yellow colored potatoes that are easier to produce and profit from.

Yellow potatoes aren't exactly the same as Yukon gold, but they sure are similar. Although yellow potatoes are a little waxier than Yukon gold potatoes, you can still use them interchangeably in most recipes.

Both Yukon Golds and russets are all-purpose potatoes with good reason, but stacked up against one another, they both have certain preparations where they each shine a little more. While russets mash well, Yukon Golds' more buttery flavor and creamy texture often make them the best choice for mashing over any potato.

U.S. Potato prices can be affected by various factors, including weather conditions, crop yields, transportation costs, labor availability, and market demand. Weather-related events, such as droughts or floods, can impact potato production, potato growers, and subsequently influence prices.

Are all the nutrients in the skin of the potato? No. While the skin does contain approximately half of the total dietary fiber, the majority (> 50%) of the nutrients are found within the potato itself. The only nutrient significantly lost when the skin is removed is fiber.

If you compare the antioxidant activity of white potatoes, yellow potatoes, and purple potatoes, Yukon gold have about twice the antioxidant power as white, but purple has twenty times the antioxidants, comparable to what you might see in berries.

Are yellow potatoes good for French fries? ›

Use Yukon Gold Potatoes

While both potato varieties crisped nicely on the outsides, I found the insides of the russets to be drier, while the oven fries made with the Yukon golds were more tender and creamy. You may also see Yukon gold potatoes labeled simply “gold” or “yellow” potatoes at the grocery store.

Yellow potatoes, such as the Yukon Gold variety, have a dense texture that many chefs prize for making mashed potatoes. They aren't as starchy as russets, but will produce a creamy finished product. Save waxy red-skinned potatoes, such as the Red Bliss variety, for making rustic smashed potatoes with the skins on.

Yukon Gold is a US potato and is suggested for US readers. The recipe originally used Yukon Gold potatoes (it was kindly passed on to Nigella) and Maris Piper was the closest easliy available UK alternative to this potato. It is now possible to buy Yukon Gold potatoes in the UK from a small number of suppliers.

They have a creamy texture and an almost-buttery flavor. In terms of texture, Yukon Golds fall between the starchy russet and the waxy red potato, which makes them a great all-purpose option that's well-suited to a number of culinary applications, including making melting potatoes.

Do you need to peel Yukon Gold potatoes before roasting? Nope! One of the best parts about Yukon Golds is the thin, tender skin. So, skip the peeling, but be sure to give them a good scrubbing before cooking.

Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great source of vitamin C (70 percent of DV), a good source of vitamin B6 (31 percent of DV), and potassium (26 percent of DV), which is important for heart health. They're also low in sodium and contain a useful dose of manganese (12 percent of DV) and folate (9 percent DV).

When looking for a substitute for Yukon Golds, choose another waxy potato such as Red Bliss or another red potato. Baby or Fingerling potatoes are also good options. Try to stay away from starchy potatoes such as Russets for potato salad as they will not hold up.

Their flesh will soak up copious amounts of melted butter and cream, making them a good choice. Yellow potatoes, such as the Yukon Gold variety, have a dense texture that many chefs prize for making mashed potatoes. They aren't as starchy as russets, but will produce a creamy finished product.

As Martha mentions in her caption, Yukon gold potatoes aren't typically used to make baked potatoes. Instead, because of their thin, flavorful skin and low starch content, they're more often used for crispy roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or the popular crash hot potatoes.