Spring Ingredient Essentials: New Potatoes

A summer favorite, new potatoes are fresh harvested small, young potatoes. They are sweeter than mature potatoes since their sugars have not converted into starch and have such thin skin that peeling isn’t necessary. That’s a good thing, since most of the fiber found in potatoes is found in the skin. Potatoes are also rich in potassium, which helps maintain blood pressure, and Vitamin C which helps protect against cardiovascular disease and supports a healthy immune system. New potatoes are sweet and good for you too making them a perfect addition to your Latin kitchen.

How do I pick the best new potatoes?

New Potatoes can range in size, shape, and color since they are just young potatoes from whatever variety was planted. With that said, new potatoes can be distinguished by their very thin skins which may even appear to be flaking off of the spud. Not to worry, just look for potatoes that have smooth skin free of any blemishes. The potatoes should be firm and dry with no soft spots, dent, nicks, or cuts. Pass on any that have bruising, feel damp or wet as these are signs of decay. Keep in mind the smaller the new potato the sweeter it will be, so choose according to your taste and dish.

What can I make with new potatoes?

New potatoes are perfect for pan roasting, oven roasting, and boiling. Use new potatoes in a spicy potato salad with chipotle aioli, pan roast with brown butter and sage, or roast in the oven with olive oil, garlic, and paprika. No matter how you prepare them, you are guaranteed to enjoy a potato that is sweet, creamy, and hearty all at the same time.

To prep simply run potatoes under water to remove any remaining dirt or grit from the skins. Be careful not to scrub as this will remove the skins and the potatoes fiber along with them.

New potatoes are a real summer treat but they don’t last long. They're available for just a few weeks, which may make you want to stock up on these sweet spuds. However, they will remain fresh for just a few days. Store unwashed new potatoes in a paper bag in a cool dark place or in the refrigerator loosely wrapped in plastic. If you’ve picked up more potatoes than you can handle, invite some friends over for a new potato party and whip up some spud-centric recipes. Every one loves new potatoes!

Recipes to try include: Peruvian Purple Potato and Scallion Salad, Guiso de Papas al Horno, and Chorizo, Potato and Eggs.