| Varieties of potatoes that are harvested in the early stages of its growth, before it matures, in order to keep it small and tender. Creamer potatoes will generally be a gold Yukon or a Red potato that is harvested at a young age, measuring approximately 1 inch in diameter. The yellow or red skin of this potato is waxy and high in moisture while the sweet, tender white flesh contains a lower level of starch, making it an excellent boiling potato. Creamer potatoes can be boiled, baked, fried, or roasted and are excellent as side dishes or for use in potato salads, soups, stews, and casseroles. The common use is for the potato dish known as creamed potatoes, which cooks the potatoes in a cream sauce with peas and onions. A larger version of this potato that usually measures 2 inches in diameter is referred to as a new potato, which is basically the same, except harvested later and thus, larger in size. It is common for creamer potatoes to have small holes or indentations due to their young skin being tender and easily bruised.
When selecting, choose those that are firm and plump, avoiding those that have shriveled skins, sprouting eyes, soft spots, blemishes and green spots. Store potatoes in a cool dry place. They will keep at room temperature for up to two weeks and longer when stored in cool temperatures. Do not store in the refrigerator because the cold temperatures will convert the starches into sugar and the potato will become sweet and turn a dark color when cooked. Do not store with onions, the gas given off by onions accelerate the decay of potatoes. |
