Ruby Crescent Fingerling Potatoes
Estimated Inventory, 10 lbs : 0
Description/Taste
Ruby Crescent fingerling potatoes are small in size and are slender and slightly curved in shape, averaging 6-7 centimeters in length. The skin is thin and smooth with a dusty rose hue, and there are a few medium-set eyes scattered across the surface creating a knobby, bumpy feel. The creamy-yellow flesh is firm, dense, waxy, and moisture-rich. When cooked, Ruby Crescent fingerlings have an earthy, nutty flavor and a buttery texture.
Seasons/Availability
Ruby Crescent fingerling potatoes are available year-round.
Current Facts
Ruby Crescent fingerling potatoes, botanically classified as Solanum tuberosum, are a specialty variety and are members of the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Also known as Rose Finn, Rose Fir, Rose Fir Apple, and Rosa Tannenzapfen, Ruby Crescent fingerling potatoes have limited commercial visibility and are primarily found at farmers markets and specialty distributors. The petite spuds were slow to gain in popularity as the American consumer was accustomed to large potato types, but in the 2000s, as a result of evolving food culture, the potato caught the interest of American consumers as a specialty variety and are used in a wide array of culinary applications.
Nutritional Value
Ruby Crescent fingerling potatoes contain vitamins B6 and C, as well as phosphorus, manganese, niacin, and fiber.
Applications
Ruby Crescent fingerlings are best suited for cooked applications such as steaming, boiling, and roasting. They can be sliced thin and fried to make chips or cut into segments and roasted along with root vegetables for a colorful side dish. Ruby Crescent fingerling potatoes can also be roasted and sliced for salads as their thin skin does not require peeling prior to cooking. They can be pureed to thicken soups, sauces, and gravies. Ruby Crescent fingerlings pair well with tarragon, white wine, mustard vinaigrette, herbs, poultry, garlic, and lemon. They will keep up to four weeks when stored in a cool and dark location away from heat and direct sunlight.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The original name of the Ruby Crescent fingerling was Rosa Tannenzapfen, which is believed to be of German origin. Rosa, not surprisingly, translates to pink, the color tone of the potato's skin. Tannenzapfen or in southern German dialect, Tannenapfel, translates to fir cone or pine cone which is thought to be a reference to the potato's shape. The potato’s name was improperly translated at one point to apple, which is the origin of the name, Rose Fir Apple potato.
Geography/History
Ruby Crescent fingerling potatoes originated in South America and spread to Europe where they became popular and were first named. Eventually, they made their way to the United States and one of the first locations to grow the Ruby Crescent commercially was in the San Luis Valley of Colorado in the 1990’s. Today, Ruby Crescent fingerling potatoes can be found in specialty grocers and at farmers markets in Europe and North America.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Ruby Crescent Fingerling Potatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Sunset |
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Ruby Crescent Fingerling Fries |
| emerils.com |
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Seared Scallops With Savoy Cabbage, Fingerling Potatoes, Pink Ladies, And Sultanas |
