Idaho Potato Commission

Take Sides: IDAHO® FINGERLING POTATOES Fit the Bill

Eagle ID (April 17, 2015) — Small to medium in size, with a tender interior, Idaho^® fingerlings are making it big on the side. Popular as a side dish, versatile fingerlings can be cooked or roasted whole, stuffed, shaved and chipped, and even braised in oil for a earthy confit. Idaho produces three main fingerling varieties:

French fingerlings offer a smooth, dark rosy skin; waxy, yellow flesh interior; and a delicate, nutty flavor.

Russian Banana fingerlings are smaller than French fingerlings, and present a buff-yellow skin; light-yellow interior; waxy flesh; and a rich, buttery flavor.

Purple Peruvian fingerlings make a dramatic impression with purple skin and dry, bright purple interior. Their mild potato flavor ensures customer satisfaction.

Idaho^® fingerlings are available beginning with fall harvest through spring. Their delicate texture makes them an ideal complement to tender seasonal vegetables in Smoked Shiitakes with Fingerling Potatoes, Shallots and Urfa Chili-Kewpie Mayo or as a standalone side, like Buttermilk Idaho^® French Fingerlings. Idaho Potato Commission preparations tips include:

To expedite roasting times, steam or microwave the fingerlings first

Boil fingerlings in a solution of water and apple cider vinegar maintain color and flavor

Toss them in a 50/50 combination of olive oil and butter to produce a roasted potato color and flavor

Herbs and spices take fingerling flavor profiles to the next level. Experiment with sage, rosemary, savory, dill and fennel

For more information about Idaho® fingerlings, visit foodservice.idahopotato.com. To research menu concepts using all the Idaho^® potato varieties, visit the IPC recipe database at foodservice.idahopotato.com/recipes. While on the site, check out the helpful size guide and Idaho^® potato preparation tips, and find answers and solutions to operational and culinary FAQs.

About the Idaho Potato Commission
Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain–fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil, give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance. These ideal growing conditions are what differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states. For more information, visit: www.idahopotato.com.