Red Pontiac facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Potato 'Red Pontiac' |
|
|---|---|
| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum tuberosum |
| Hybrid parentage | 'Pontiac' × unknown |
| Cultivar | 'Red Pontiac' |
| Origin | Florida, USA |
The Red Pontiac is a special kind of potato that's also known as Dakota Chief. It has a bright red skin and a white inside. This potato was first grown in the United States. Today, you can find Red Pontiac potatoes in many countries. These include Canada, Australia, Algeria, the Philippines, Venezuela, and Uruguay.
This potato started as a new version of an older potato called 'Pontiac'. It was discovered in Florida, USA, by J.W. Weston in 1945. The original 'Pontiac' potato was created by mixing two other types, 'Triumph' and 'Katahdin'. The 'Pontiac' potato was released in the US in 1938. The 'Red Pontiac' was officially recognized by the USDA in 1983.
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What Does the Red Pontiac Potato Look Like?
The Red Pontiac potato plant grows quite large and spreads out. It has stems that are angled and beautiful light purple flowers.
The Potato Itself
The potatoes are round and have deep "eyes." These are the small dents where sprouts can grow. The skin is a dark red color, and the inside is white and waxy. Sometimes, if the soil isn't evenly wet, the potatoes can look a bit bumpy. The red color of the skin can also fade over time. When this happens, only the "eyes" might stay red.
Cooking with Red Pontiac Potatoes
Red Pontiac potatoes are great for many different recipes. You can use them for baking, boiling, mashing, or roasting. They are also good in salads. You can even cook them quickly in a microwave oven.
Best Ways to Prepare Them
These potatoes are not the best choice for frying. Red potatoes can be cooked with their skin on. Just make sure to scrub and rinse them very well before you start cooking!
