When it comes to red potatoes, two popular varieties are Norland and Red Pontiac. While both are red potatoes, they do have some differences in terms of their growth, cooking characteristics, and overall quality.
1. Growth: Red Pontiac potatoes have a tendency to bulk as they grow, meaning they produce larger potatoes. This can be advantageous if you’re looking for bigger potatoes to cook with or sell. On the other hand, Norland potatoes tend to have a more uniform size in the harvest, which can be beneficial if you prefer consistency in your potato crop.
2. Maturity: Norland potatoes have an advantage in terms of maturity. They tend to mature sooner than Red Pontiacs, which means you can harvest them earlier in the season. This can be useful if you want to enjoy fresh potatoes earlier or if you’re looking to have an earlier crop to sell.
3. Cooking Characteristics: Red Pontiac potatoes are known for their ability to hold their shape well during cooking. This makes them ideal for dishes like roasted potatoes or potato salads, where you want the potatoes to retain their texture and not turn mealy. However, Red Pontiacs have a tendency to crack under high heat, which can be a drawback if you’re planning to cook them at high temperatures or for longer durations.
Norland potatoes, on the other hand, are less prone to cracking but can become mealy if overcooked. They are better suited for boiling, baking, or mashing. If you’re looking for a potato that will hold up well to different cooking methods without losing its texture, Norland potatoes may be a better choice.
4. Market Appeal: Growing both Norland and Red Pontiac potatoes can be advantageous if you’re planning to sell them. Offering customers a choice between these two varieties allows them to choose based on their preferences and cooking needs. Some customers may prefer the larger size of Red Pontiacs, while others may appreciate the uniformity of Norland potatoes.
While Norland and Red Pontiac potatoes are both red varieties, they have distinct differences in terms of growth, maturity, cooking characteristics, and market appeal. Choosing which variety to grow depends on your specific needs and preferences. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different varieties to find the ones that work best for you and your customers.
