What is the Difference Between New Potatoes and Normal Potatoes?

If you have been asking yourself, “what is the difference between new potatoes and normal potatoes?” You have come to the right place. While some think they are entirely different, these potatoes are actually similar. New potatoes are just normal potatoes removed from the soil before they were fully matured. In contrast, normal potatoes are potatoes that were allowed to grow up completely before harvesting them.

New potatoes are way smaller, have a higher water content, and are less resilient than normal potatoes. They also have thinner skins and are less starchy. Furthermore, new potatoes are more delicate, so they can’t be stored for more than a few days. These unique properties make them the preferred choice for very specific recipes.

Difference Between New Potatoes and Normal Potatoes

Trait
New Potatoes
Normal Potatoes
Size
Smaller
Larger
Texture
Waxier
Mealier
Starch
Lower
Higher
Moisture
Higher
Lower
Skin
Thinner
Thicker
Storage*
Less Than a Week
One to Two Weeks

*Room temperature

Is a New Potato Just a Small One?

Well, while new potatoes are, for the most part, smaller than normal potatoes, it doesn’t mean that any small potato is a new one. There are plenty of normal potatoes that are tiny, and that will not make them new potatoes at all. To be new, they have to be fresh and harvested early in the season while their leaves are still green.

New Potatoes Vs Normal Potatoes' Nutrition

If you are curious about the new potatoes’ nutrition, you have to know it is almost identical to the nutrition of normal potatoes. Looking at the nutrition profile carefully, you will notice that the ratio of most macro and micronutrients is nearly 1 to 2. As you can see, the real difference between the values is dependent on the size and weight of the potato.

small purple potato
1 New Potato (60 g)
Calories
56
Amount
% DV*
Total Fat
0.1 g
0.0%
Saturated Fat
0 g
0.0%
Trans Fat
0 g
N/A
Cholesterol
0 mg
0.0%
Sodium
6 mg
0.0%
Total Carbohydrates
13 g
4.0%
Dietary Fiber
1.3 g
5.0%
Total Sugars
0.7 g
N/A
Protein
1.5 g
N/A
Vitamin A**
0.8 mcg
0.1%
Vitamin C**
7.9 mg
9.6%
Calcium**
9 mg
0.9%
Iron**
0.47 mg
3.6%
Potassium**
321 mg
9.0%
potato
1 Normal Potato (138 g)
Calories
128
Amount
% DV*
Total Fat
0.2 g
0.0%
Saturated Fat
0.1 g
0.0%
Trans Fat
0 g
N/A
Cholesterol
0 mg
0.0%
Sodium
14 mg
1.0%
Total Carbohydrates
29 g
10.0%
Dietary Fiber
3 g
12.0%
Total Sugars
1.6 g
N/A
Protein
3.5 g
N/A
Vitamin A**
2.4 mcg
0.3%
Vitamin C**
18.1 mg
22.0%
Calcium**
21 mg
2.1%
Iron**
1.08 mg
8.3%
Potassium**
738 mg
21.0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
**Values are based on the average for men and women.

What Color Are Them?

Since new potatoes are just normal potatoes that have been harvested before maturing, they will pretty much be the same color as their adult counterparts. For example, red potatoes that have been dug up before they reach maturity will have the same red skin with creamy white flesh. A new Yukon gold will still have light golden skin with yellow flesh, and new russets’ skins will remain light brown with white flesh. As you can see, in terms of color, there isn’t any difference at all.

Why do New Potatoes Taste Different than Normal Ones?

A distinct advantage new potatoes have over normal potatoes is their taste. The fact they haven’t matured completely indicates the sugar inside them hasn’t turned entirely to starch. This is good news as that means you can enjoy a sweeter flavor that is hard to find in other potatoes.

Roasting them ensures you can partake in a crunchy yet creamy delightful experience. But that’s not all! Their tender flesh provides them with a unique texture that melts away in your mouth.

What Are New Potatoes Good For?

You could be thinking, “what is so great about these potatoes that can’t be done with normal potatoes.” The truth is the demand for new potatoes is pretty high for a good reason. They are not only sweeter but also boast a creamy, waxy texture that does wonders for salads. If that was not enough, you can also boil them, throw in a few herbs with butter, and voila! A dish that you will remember for years to come.

Now, while boiled potatoes and potato salads are more than enough reasons for giving them a try, you can also put them to the test by roasting them. The result is a crispy crust with a hint of sweetness in every bite.

One thing you shouldn’t prepare with them is mashed potatoes. Why? Similar to red potatoes, due to their highly waxy texture, they have a tendency to keep their shape when cooked and cut. You won’t be able to mash your way to a mushy consistency no matter how hard you try, which is essential for mashed potatoes.

How to Cook New Potatoes on The Stove

You don’t need fancy or complicated recipes to try their sweetness and savory texture.

Just take a few of your new potatoes, wash them, and cut them into chunks. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will get cooked. Next, fill a large pot with water, toss the chunks inside and add a bit of salt.

Then, turn the stove’s heat on to make sure the water boils as fast as possible. Wait around 20 minutes. Finally, check the potatoes with a fork. If it can go through them with no resistance, they are done, and you only have to drain the pot to partake in pure deliciousness.

How do You Store New Potatoes?

Once you get new potatoes, you should use or store them right away. Now, don’t wash them as that spoils them much faster. Instead, keep that layer of dirt to protect them a bit from rotting. You have to do whatever it takes to avoid water from coming in contact with them. Remember, they don’t last nearly as long as normal potatoes.

Matured potatoes easily last a few weeks after getting them. However, new potatoes are gone within a few days once you buy them because they have a higher water content than normal potatoes. Additionally, their thin skins offer little protection from the elements. Both of those factors are the main reasons for their fast decay.

Black blemishes and mold are telltale signs they are going bad. So, what can you do to prevent that from happening?

    • Eat new potatoes as fast as you can.
      Remember, you only have a few days before they rot, so have a list of recipes ready to begin cooking asap.
    • Make sure to keep them away from sunlight.
      Once harvested, sunlight becomes one of the top enemies of new and normal potatoes alike. Any exposition to it can trigger the formation of the chemical known as solanine. This substance renders potatoes completely inedible as it is poisonous.
    • Boost new potatoes’ storage life.
      A cool, dark, and well-ventilated area such as a cellar or basement is ideal for storing your new potatoes and keeping them well for a few days. If don’t have an ideal room for storing them, you may place your new potatoes inside a perforated paper bag or straw mesh basket. Avoid using plastic bags.
    • Give each potato its own space.
      If two or more are too close inside any container, the chances of spoilage skyrocket. Keep each potato at least 1 cm away from the others to allow the free flow of air.

So what is the difference between new potatoes and normal potatoes? The differences between new and normal potatoes are not massive, yet they are significant enough to deserve special attention. You should know them well if you desire to take your potato recipes to the next level. Cook your favorite dishes with both types to get a good grasp of how they work. You will recognize which one is the best for your next meal in a short time.