Idaho Potatoes vs Russet Potatoes – What’s the Real Difference?

Potatoes are a common food in homes around the world. People bake them, mash them, fry them and add them to many meals. When shopping for potatoes, two names often appear: Idaho potatoes and russet potatoes. Many shoppers believe these are two different kinds of potatoes, but that is not fully true.

The confusion comes from how the names are used. Russet refers to a type of potato. Idaho refers to where the potato was grown and how it was approved. Understanding this difference can help you choose the right potato for cooking, especially when texture matters.

This article explains what each name means, why the difference exists and when it actually affects your food.

Did You Know?

Idaho grows approximately 30% to one-third of all potatoes in the United States and the name “Idaho potato” is legally protected.

What Is a Russet Potato?

A russet potato is a type of potato known for its rough brown skin and white flesh. The most common kind is Russet Burbank, though other russet types also exist.

Russet potatoes are high in starch. This makes them soft and fluffy when baked and crisp when fried. Because of this, they are often used for baked potatoes, mashed potatoes and fries.

Russet potatoes are grown in many states across the United States. When a bag says “russet potatoes,” it only tells you the type, not where they were grown.

What Is an Idaho Potato?

An Idaho potato is not a separate potato type. It is a russet potato grown in the state of Idaho under strict rules.

To use the “Grown in Idaho” name, potatoes must meet quality standards set by local growers. These rules cover growing location, handling, size and overall quality.

Most Idaho potatoes are Russet Burbank potatoes. While many russets are grown in other states, only those grown in Idaho and approved can be sold as Idaho potatoes.

Simple rule:
All Idaho potatoes are russet potatoes, but not all russet potatoes are Idaho potatoes.

Also read: Top 10 Highest Potato Producing States in the US

Why the Difference Matters

The difference between Idaho potatoes and other russet potatoes is not just about the name. It comes down to growing conditions, quality checks and cooking results.

Growing Conditions

Idaho has soil and weather that suit potato farming well. The soil is rich and the climate includes warm days and cool nights. This helps potatoes grow with a firm inside and balanced moisture.

Because of this, Idaho-grown russets often turn fluffier when baked. The inside feels lighter compared to some russets grown in other regions.

Label and Standards

The Idaho name is a certified label. Growers must follow rules and their potatoes are checked before they can carry the Idaho name.

This system is similar to how some foods are tied to their place of origin. The label tells buyers the potatoes were grown in Idaho and met set quality rules.

Texture and Cooking

Both Idaho potatoes and other russet potatoes contain high starch levels. This is why they cook soft inside and crisp on the outside.

If a recipe calls for a baking potato, both Idaho potatoes and regular russets usually work well. Still, Idaho russets often give more even results, especially for baking and frying.

Also read: Top 10 Potato Producing Countries in the World

Idaho Potatoes vs Russet Potatoes: Key Differences

Feature	Idaho Potatoes	Russet Potatoes
Growing area	Idaho only	Many U.S. states
Potato type	Mostly Russet Burbank	Several russet types
Quality checks	Required	Not required
Starch level	High and consistent	Can change by region
Label protection	Yes	No

Nutrition at a Glance

Most russet-type potatoes have similar nutrition. The exact numbers can change by size and soil, but a medium potato usually contains:

• About 110–170 calories
• Almost no fat
• Around 3–5 grams of protein
• Around 23–37 grams of carbohydrates
• Potassium levels equal to or higher than a banana
• Small but useful amounts of fiber and vitamin C

Idaho potatoes often highlight their approval with health groups. They are low in fat and can fit into a balanced meal plan when cooked in simple ways.

Note: Nutrition values change based on size and cooking method.

Best Uses for Idaho Russet Potatoes

Some dishes benefit more from Idaho-grown russets because of their starch balance:

1. Baked potatoes – Soft, fluffy inside
2. French fries – Crisp outside with even browning
3. Mashed potatoes – Smooth texture that holds butter well

When Regular Russets Work Fine

For many meals, regular russet potatoes are good enough:

• Soups and stews
• Roasted potato dishes
• Everyday home cooking
• Mixed vegetable meals

For potato salad, waxy potatoes often work better than any russet type.

How to Pick and Store Potatoes

Choosing Potatoes

When buying potatoes:

• Pick ones that feel firm and solid.
• Avoid green patches under the skin.
• Look for the “Grown in Idaho” seal if you want certified Idaho potatoes.

Storing Potatoes

To keep potatoes fresh:

• Store them in a cool, dark, dry place.
• Do not wash them before storage.
• Try to use them within a few weeks for the best texture.

Also read: Smart Packaging Trends Changing the Potato Chips and Snacks Market

Conclusion

Idaho potatoes and russet potatoes are closely related, but they are not the same label. Russet refers to the type of potato. Idaho refers to where the potato was grown and the rules it followed.

For most meals, regular russets work just fine. When texture is important, Idaho-certified russets often give more reliable results. Knowing the difference helps you shop smarter and cook with better results.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):

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Image credit: Potato Insights
Research sources:

• Idaho Potato Commission – The Idaho Potato Difference
• University of Idaho Extension – Potato Production and Quality
• Wikipedia – Russet Potato Overview

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