Potatoes New Zealand

Industry Profile — Potato varieties grown in New Zealand

In 2005, there were 62 varieties of potatoes grown as certified seed in New Zealand. Some of the characteristics of the main varieties are listed below. Further details can be found in the New Zealand publications "The History of Potato Seed Certification in New Zealand (PDF) " and "Potato Varieties – A Field Identification Guide (PDF) " and at the websites listed at the bottom of this page.

Research funded by the Potatoes New Zealand has contributed to the development of many of these cultivars. See the research page for more information.

Table varieties

Waxy varieties

These varieties are firmer and hold their shape during cooking – suitable for boiling, casseroles, soups.

Draga
Long-oval tubers with white/yellow skin and creamy flesh. Grown in NZ since 1989, a variety from the Netherlands.

Nadine
Round/oval tubers with white skin and white flesh. Grown in NZ since 1990, a variety from the United Kingdom.

Frisia
Oval tubers with yellow skin and cream flesh. Grown in NZ since 1991, variety from the Netherlands.

General purpose varieties

These varieties are near the mid-point between waxy and floury, making them suitable for most uses.

Rua
Cream skinned tubers with white flesh. A NZ bred variety, grown in NZ since 1960. One of the most popular potato varieties.

Desiree
Long oval tubers, red smooth skin with pale yellow flesh. A Dutch variety, grown in NZ since 1985.

Karaka
Round to oval tubers with white skin and white flesh. A NZ bred variety, grown commercially since 1993.

Floury varieties

Floury varieties are softer and break up more easily during cooking, they are best suited to roasting, chips, wedges and mashing.

Ilam Hardy
Yellow skinned tubers with white flesh. A NZ bred variety, grown since 1951 and one of the most popular potato varieties in NZ.

Red Rascal
Round/flat tubers with red skin and white flesh. A NZ bred variety (Deseree x Tekau), grown commercially since 1993.

Agria
Long-oval tubers with white/yellow shin and yellow flesh. Grown in NZ since 1989, a German variety.

Processing varieties

The main processing varieties are Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet and Shepody. The US variety Atlantic, popular with processors in Asia, is also available.

Russet Burbank
Long-oval tubers with reddish-brown russet skin and white flesh. A US variety grown in NZ since 1988.

Ranger Russet

Long slightly flattened tubers with pink/brown russet skin and white flesh. Similar in appearance to Russet Burbank. A US variety, grown in NZ since 1993.

Shepody

Long tubers with brown skin and white flesh. Grown in NZ since 1992. A Canadian variety.

Atlantic
Round tubers with light brown skin and pale cream flesh. Grown in NZ since 1991, this is a variety from the USA.

Variety information

A wealth of information on potato varieties can be found on the internet. The following sites provide information and many links to specific varieties.

Potatoes on vegetables.co.nz
Potato varieties at Washington State Uni
Variety catalogue from NIVAP Holland
Potato varieties grown in Great Britain