Why are Purple Potatoes Purple? Purple Potato Recipes
Feb 12, 2015, Updated Jun 03, 2022
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What makes purple potatoes purple and other purple potato facts
Have you noticed purple potatoes at the grocery store and wondered how they get their color or what they taste like?
You’re not alone. We often get questions about them. Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions we get about this brightly colored veggie.
1) What makes a purple potato purple?
Nope, they aren’t dyed. Their coloring is all natural!
Natural pigments and flavonoids give these potatoes their vibrant color. All potatoes contain an assortment of nutrients and other health-promoting compounds. The colored-flesh potato varieties contain anthocyanins and carotenoids.
2) What do purple potatoes taste like?
They are similar in taste to a regular russet potato. They have a less starchy, more moist texture. Just like other potatoes, the skins are completely edible.
3) Where can I find purple potatoes?
They are available nearly year-round. There is typically a slight gap in availability during the fall; however, they are readily available during the winter, spring, and summer months.
If your retailer does not currently offer them, you should ask the store management or customer service department to bring them in for you. Most grocery stores are happy to stock the items their customers want.
4) How do I cook purple potatoes?
Any way you want! They can be baked, broiled, mashed, fried and more. They are rich in flavor and delicious just about any way you cook them!
The skin is very thin, so there is no need to peel them. The skin contains nutrients but it’s a produce myth that ALL the nutrients are found in a potato’s skin. The flesh contains plenty of vitamins and minerals too!
Purple potatoes maintain their incredible purple color when they are cooked, making them a beautiful addition to your dinner table. The bright color is also quite enticing to kids.
Give these recipes a try:
Fingerling Potatoes with Herb Vinaigrette from Kroger
The Veggie Rainbow from Monterey Mushrooms
Star-Spangled Potato Salad from Dole
Have you tried this colorful veggie before? What did you think of them? Let us know in the comments below.
Before now i dint know i would come across a purple potatoes. Thanks for sharing
I use to have it as a child, don’t know why now it’s not really common to find a purple potato in the markets. Definitelly want yo cook it for my kids
Yes! Enjoy!