Potatoes: Varieties, Storage and Health
The potato is a true all-rounder in the kitchen and a staple of Swiss food culture. Whether as Rösti, mashed potatoes or jacket potatoes – this root vegetable impresses with its versatility, flavour and valuable nutrients. Thanks to its storability, it is available throughout the year.
Not all potatoes are alike: the variety ranges from floury to waxy to specialty potatoes.
Floury varieties such as Victoria or Belmonda are perfect for mashed potatoes or gratin, while waxy varieties such as Annabelle or Queen Anne are ideal for boiled potatoes and potato salad. For crispy chips or Rösti, floury high-temperature potatoes are the best choice.
Potatoes also offer visual variety. The Blue St. Gallen with its blue flesh, or varieties with red skins such as Laura or Cheyenne, are true eye-catchers on the plate.
Superfood from Switzerland
Potatoes are not only tasty but also healthy. They consist of 77 percent water and contain only 0.2 percent fat. At the same time, they are rich in potassium, vitamin C and dietary fibre. Compared to rice or pasta, they contain significantly fewer calories and yet provide long-lasting satiety. Thanks to their alkaline properties, potatoes also contribute to a balanced acid-base metabolism. Plant-based nutrition is also increasingly focusing on regional products such as the potato.
Proper Storage for Longer Freshness
To keep potatoes fresh for longer, they should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place. Temperatures below 4 °C cause the starch to convert to sugar, making the potatoes taste sweet, while above 10 °C they sprout and shrivel. Particularly important: avoid light, as this causes green patches containing the toxic solanine to form. Those without a cool storage space are better off buying smaller quantities and using them quickly.
From the Ground to the Plate
The journey of the potato begins in spring with planting and ends in autumn with the harvest. Early potatoes, which are particularly tender, appear on the market as early as May. Direct purchase from the farm guarantees freshness and the highest enjoyment.
Since potatoes are generally well-suited for storage, Swiss potatoes are also available in stores throughout the year in good harvest years.
The potato: more than just a food
Beyond its culinary significance, the potato also holds a firm place in natural medicine. Whether as a hand pack for supple skin or as a home remedy against dark circles – the versatile tuber can do much more than simply provide sustenance.
Whether classically prepared or creatively reinterpreted – the potato remains a timeless star in the Swiss kitchen. More onEnvironment & Nature Conservation.
