New Potato Variety to Debut in Stores This Fall

Potato innovation doesn’t happen overnight, or even in one growing season. Agronomists are long at work in test fields across the globe with the goal of growing better-tasting, better-looking, better-growing potatoes.

These trials take years, and the number of test candidates at the onset of testing might start out at 200 different varieties, with eventually one or two reaching commercial production. This is the story of how new potato varieties are born.

RPE, Inc.—a full-service grower, shipper and marketer of fresh potatoes—will bring a new, premium red potato variety to potato consumers this fall.

“RPE Golden Red premium potatoes are the new gold standard in red potatoes,” says Tim Huffcutt, vice president sales and marketing operations for RPE. “Compared to common red potatoes, these superior stunners have a vibrant red skin with a rich yellow interior and a sweet creamy taste.”

This potato variety started out in the Netherlands, where it showed early promise based on yield, internal and external quality, and disease and insect resistance. Likewise, the variety performed well in growing regions of the U.S. and Canada. Sensory testing showed that not only does Golden Red taste better than standard, mainstream red potatoes, but that its internal and external appearance outshine its commodity counterparts.

“I truly believe this potato was built for potato salad; it’s phenomenal in that application,” says research chef Chris McAdams of Golden Red. “Once it’s cooked, it holds its shape and texture much better than comparable potatoes. When you cut it after boiling, it doesn’t break apart or get grainy, which is what makes it ideal for a potato salad.”

McAdams also recommends consumers prepare this potato either boiled, roasted or fried. “These methods,” he says, “highlight the creamy texture and sweet, mildly earthy flavor.”

Custom-created recipes and more information about Golden Red can be found at www.rpespud.com/our-products/golden-red-potatoes.

Golden Red is an RPE exclusive varietal. RPE and parent company Wysocki Family of Companies have been potato industry innovation leaders since the 1950s. Innovation in storage longevity and crop management along with trial varietals are the bedrock of the company and remain a core value today.

Golden Red premium potatoes will be available this fall in a 3-pound, poly light-blocker, bilingual bag.