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Why Are They Called Yukon Gold Potatoes?

Yukon Gold potatoes, botanically classified as Solanum tuberosum ‘Yukon Gold,’ were the first potato bred in Canada to be mass marketed by name. Its namesake pays homage to the Yukon River and gold rush country and is a nod to its golden-hued flesh and skin.

Do Yukon potatoes come from the Yukon?

This potato was developed in the 1960s by Garnet (“Gary”) Johnston in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, with the help of Geoff Rowberry at the University of Guelph. The official cross bred strain was made in 1966 and ‘Yukon Gold’ was finally released into the market in 1980.

Are Yukon Gold just yellow potatoes?

Yukon gold, or yellow potatoes, are the all-rounder winners of the spud race. Easily identified by its smooth, slightly waxy skin, the Yukon gold is one of the most commonly found spud varieties. It’s a pantry staple for its combination of starchy and waxy properties, which allows it to be well suited for most recipes.

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Is a Yukon potato the same as a gold potato?

The Yukon Gold potato, though yellow fleshed, is a cross between a yellow and a white potato and is usually labeled as such. A “yellow” or “gold” potato is not a Yukon Gold potato, but all three potatoes have similar starch contents and flavors and can be used interchangeably in recipes.

Who created the Yukon Gold potato?

Gary Johnson
The Yukon Gold potato was developed in the 1960’s by renowned world-class potato breeder, Gary Johnson, while at the University of Guelph from 1953 – 1980.

Why is it so hard to find Yukon Gold potatoes?

They are highly susceptible to a number of diseases and defects, including a potato virus called PVY-NTN, and a condition known as hollow heart. “Yukon Golds are not a popular variety with potato growers,” says Currie, who worked briefly with fabled breeder Johnston.

What is the difference between yellow potatoes and Yukon gold?

The Yukon Gold potato, though yellow fleshed, is a cross between a yellow and a white potato and is usually labeled as such. A “yellow” or “gold” potato is not a Yukon Gold potato, but all three potatoes have similar starch contents and flavors and can be used interchangeably in recipes.

What potato is best for mashed potato?

We consider Yukon Gold potatoes the best choice for classic dense mashed potatoes. Their rich texture and subtle creaminess make them great for all of your mashing needs. A true all-purpose potato, they’re also good for shredding, roasting, grilling, blending (?!), and shingling.

Are Yukon Gold potatoes healthier than white potatoes?

One medium Yukon gold potato meets one half of your daily vitamin C needs, and contains nearly twice the amount of vitamin C as a regular baking potato. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant, as it protects your cells from free-radical damage.

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Are Baby Dutch potatoes the same as Yukon Gold?

Baby Dutch Yellow potatoes are European culinary treasures that are small in size. The Russian Banana variety is a fingerling style potato and the Yellow Finn resembles the Yukon Gold. Both the Russian Banana and Yukon Gold are considered gourmet varieties and harder to find outside their native origin.

Are red potatoes healthier than Yukon Gold?

The Healthiest Potato is the Red Potato
After taking into account the mineral density, the vitamin density, the macronutrient balance, the sugar-to-fiber ratio, the sodium-to-potassium ratio, and the phytochemical profile, red potatoes are the healthiest potato with data from the USDA Food Database.

Are gold potatoes healthier than red?

Go Yellow for Iron and Calcium
The red potato may may be lower in calories and carbs, but the yellow potato is a better source of iron and calcium.

Are All gold potatoes Yukon Gold?

Yukon Gold originally was one variety. It evolved over the years and so there are similar varieties out there now. Idaho grows very few of the Yukon Gold’s anymore, preferring a Yukon Gem. So, she may be right, but generally most yellow flesh varieties perform in a similar fashion for cooking.

Where did Yukon Gold potatoes originate?

the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Yukon Gold was crossed and developed at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada in the 1960s and 70s, and released in 1980 by Agriculture Canada at the University of Guelph (Johnston and Rowberry. 1981. Amer Potato Jour 58:241-244).

Is the Yukon Gold potato a hybrid?

Yukon Golds are medium-size potatoes with light-brown skin and an interior that tastes as buttery as it looks. The Yukon Gold was first bred in Canada in 1966; it’s a cross between a yellow-fleshed Peruvian hybrid and a white-fleshed variety from North Dakota.

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What are Yukon potatoes good for?

Yukon gold and other yellow potatoes are low- to medium-starch potatoes, and are well suited to roasting, mashing, baked dishes, and soups and chowders. Round red and round white potatoes have less starch and more moisture, making them best for boiling, but they can also be roasted or fried.

What is the closest potato to Yukon Gold?

The 5 Best Substitutes for Yukon Gold Potatoes

  • 1 – Carola Potatoes.
  • 2 – Russet Potatoes.
  • 3 – Red Bliss Potatoes.
  • 4 – Katahdin Potatoes.
  • 5 – Inca Gold Potatoes.

Are golden potatoes the same as Idaho?

The texture of Yukon Gold potatoes falls in the middle between Idaho potatoes and red potatoes. Its slightly lower starch content than the Idaho or russet gives it a combination of mealy and waxy textures.

How many gold mines are in the Yukon?

Large-scale gold mining in the Yukon Territory didn’t end until 1966, and by that time the region had yielded some $250 million in gold. Today, some 200 small gold mines still operate in the region.

Which potato is the healthiest?

Red Desiree Potatoes
Red Desiree Potatoes are part of the Red Potato family and are considered to be the healthiest of all potatoes, as they contain the highest levels of vitamins, minerals and healthy phytochemicals.

Do you have to wash Yukon Gold potatoes?

Do You Need to Wash Potatoes Before Cooking? The Food and Drug Administration advises you wash potatoes before you eat them. Potatoes grow in the ground, and carry not only dirt but also bacteria to the grocery store and later, your table.

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