What is an Idaho Potato?
Technically speaking, an Idaho potato is any potato grown in the American state of Idaho, but one variety, the Russet Burbank, has come to be closely associated with Idaho. When most consumers think of Idaho potatoes, they visualize the Russet Burbank, a classic starchy potato which has a wide range of uses. Idaho has come to be linked with potato production in the United States, and it produces one of the largest yearly crops of potatoes in the United States, after Washington State.
Technically speaking, an Idaho potato is any potato grown in the American state of Idaho, but one variety, the Russet Burbank, has come to be closely associated with Idaho. When most consumers think of Idaho potatoes, they visualize the Russet Burbank, a classic starchy potato which has a wide range of uses. Idaho has come to be linked with potato production in the United States, and it produces one of the largest yearly crops of potatoes in the United States, after Washington State. The weather and elevation in Idaho make conditions perfect for growing potatoes. Potatoes are naturally high altitude plants, since they were developed in the mountain ranges of South America. In Idaho, a long, mild growing season in the summer pairs with rich, light soil and high elevations to create an ideal potato growing environment. This was realized in the early 1900s, when the Russet Burbank was first brought to Idaho and the state became a major potato producing powerhouse.
