Can someone explain the difference between white potatoes and russets?
Russets are starchy potatoes with a soft mouth feel and kind of grainy, while white potatoes are often called “new” potatoes. New potatoes are slightly sweeter and waxy (firmer to the bite), less starchy and don’t crumble as easily after they’re boiled. That’s why New potatoes are popular for dishes like potato salad where the mixing will cause russets to fall apart and mush up. In terms of cooking, you see Russets used for mashed potatoes, french fries, chowders, hash browns or dishes where you want the softer, fluffier consistency. New potatoes (red or white) are better where you want the potato to stay together, not as mushy/fluffy, such as in potato salad, some types of soups and home fries (cubed potatoes pan fried with onions and bell peppers). Of course they can be used interchangeably… depends upon personal preference.
