Best Potatoes for Chips
They come in different shapes and sizes, elongated, oval shaped, fat and round, or marble, the potato is amongst the most loved vegetable in the world.
With a variation of them to choose from, it is up to you as to the taste and texture that you desire. Overly starchy, waxy, or floury, potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways.
So which one of these tubers makes the best chips? Let’s find out.
Which potatoes are best for chips?
Choosing the best potatoes for chips would depend on the texture that the potato produces when it is fried. To get a perfectly crispy coating with a soft pillow like inside, floury potatoes will be your best bet. They have a high starch content that enables them to produce a crispy coat when fried or roasted, and they still hold their original shape. It is the most preferred kind for deep frying or oven roasting.
Are red potatoes good for chips?
Red potatoes are known to have a lower starch level with a higher moisture level making them very versatile to use in various dishes, however, their waxy texture does not produce the best chips. They are still great potatoes that enhance your stews, and are known to make the most delicious potato salad and roast potatoes. They hold their shape and emit a slight sweetness when cooked. If you are the fussy kind that likes the traditionally crispy chip, then floury potatoes would be your best bet.
Are King Edward potatoes good for chips?
This King has been around from the early 1900’s and has made a name for his self in the culinary world. Boasting an elongated oval shape with a pale thin skin, and floury texture, this starchy guy is known to produce some of crispiest chips in town, and is appreciated for his contributions in the roasting and mashing categories.
Are white potatoes good for chips?
White potatoes are well received in the culinary world as there are many uses for them. They have made their mark as they are great contributors to both flavour and taste in any dish. Enhancing the taste and texture of stews and casserole dishes, these versatile potatoes are also a welcome addition, however, because of their waxy texture, they are not the best choice to make chips, so set these babies aside for those delicious casseroles.
What vegetable oils is the best choice for chips? (French fries)
When you decide to make a helping of chips the oil that you use to get the best results must be considered carefully. The best chips are produced from deep frying on a high temperature, so vegetable oils with a smoking point of above 360 F OR 180 C are recommended. Unless you prefer your chips fried in fat or lard, oils with a strong defined flavour should be avoided as it will change the taste of the fried chip. Neutral tasting vegetable oils would be ideal to get those traditional chips that we are so familiar with, sunflower seed oil being amongst the most recommended.
Varieties of potatoes
Believe it or not, there are thousands of different types of potatoes in the world. Hailing from far and wide, they all have their specific stand out culinary features, and grace the tables of kitchens throughout. As locals, we also have a variety to choose from, all boasting their own specialities, always wanting to be first in line.
Here is a list of some of our favourites, and their most outstanding features.
Elfe – Boasting a beautiful yellow jacket and a creamy buttery texture, this potato is a master at the baking, boiling and mashing game.
Vivaldi – This plus sized attractive diva is said to make a statement in the culinary world, with her rich buttery taste and creamy smooth flavour. A compliment she is to the mash and bake categories.
Anya – These foot long dancers are quite the sight, with their beady eyes and slender look, emitting their sweetness in delicious salads.
Charlotte – These clever girls always hold their waxy structure, standing firm as all-rounders. Roasted, stewed or chipped, these waxy ovals are quite the treat.
Rooster – This trickster is a versatile little dude, standing out with his deep red colour, ready to take on any task. Boiled, mashed or roasted this fellow will brighten up your meal.
Jersey Royals – These sought after buddies have made quite a statement on the culinary carpet, as they boast a PROTECTED DESIGNATION of ORIGIN, singling them out as a Jersey native. Their flavourful sweet taste is enhanced when boiled and seasoned.
Marabel – A rich and creamy sweet lady that is perfect for chips and mash, known to be one of the best at her game.
Osprey – A smooth operator that can take on any task.
Ayshire – A seasonal potato, available in the latter part of the year with similarities to the Jersey royals, these dudes are a boil away from goodness.
Russet – These starchy stars are known to produce the best chips and wedges with their crisp exterior and soft fluffy interior.
King Edward – This ruler seems to have taken over the chip world with its floury starchy texture, producing some of the best chips.
Cornish Kings – Best enjoyed boiled and seasoned, accompanied with an entrée, these kings are seasonal rulers, making an appearance after the Jersey Royals have passed.
Purple Majesty – Mashed, roasted or baked, these beautiful dolls with their purple coats, beautify the scenery. Hailing from the Andean mountains, carrying medicinal properties, and delicious flavour, they are indeed a benefit to us all.
Kestrel – With pale skin and droopy eyes, these dreamers are an exceptional all-rounder.
Apache – A plus in the looks and taste department, these eyes catchers are the most pleasing to the palate when fully dressed.
Maris Piper – The UKs celebrity potato, this star is an all-round performer with Oscar winning performances.
Desiree – A red and yellow combination that performs well as an all-rounder.