Red Thumb Fingerling Potatoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Red Thumb fingerling potatoes are small in size and are wide, tubular, and oblong in shape, averaging 6-7 centimeters in length. The semi-smooth skin is ruby red with a few shallow eyes, brown russeting, and some dark brown spots dispersed across the surface. The flesh is marbled with pink and creamy white and is waxy and firm. When cooked, Red Thumb fingerling potatoes have a uniform shape and are creamy with an earthy, buttery flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Red Thumb fingerling potatoes are available year-round.
Current Facts
Red Thumb fingerling potatoes, botanically classified as Solanum tuberosum, are a new fingerling variety and are members of the Solanaceae or nightshade family. One of the hundreds of varieties of red potatoes, their fingerling status simply defines them as a cultivar of potato that naturally grows to a small and slightly cylindrical shape and size. Red Thumb fingerling potatoes are a late-season variety that is highly regarded for its uniform size, resistance to disease, and storage qualities.
Nutritional Value
Red Thumb fingerling potatoes contain iron, vitamin C, zinc, copper, potassium, and fiber.
Applications
Red Thumb fingerling potatoes are best suited for cooked applications such as roasting, grilling, steaming, boiling, and frying. They can be used halved or whole along with other fingerlings to make a roasted potato medley, or they can be steamed, smashed slightly, and then baked. Like many fingerlings, the Red Thumb holds its shape when cooked and makes an excellent salad potato. They can also be roasted with rosemary and olive oil and then caramelized for a rich side dish to serve with steak. Red Thumb fingerling potatoes pair well with thyme, basil, oregano, garlic, olive oil, parmesan cheese, leafy greens, and meats such as pork, steak, and poultry. They will keep up to two weeks when stored in a cool, dark, and dry location.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Red Thumb fingerling potatoes were one of five varieties of potatoes planted in the White House kitchen garden by First Lady Michelle Obama and volunteer girl scouts in 2012. The garden planting was a part of the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” campaign which focuses on encouraging exercise and healthy eating among school-aged children.
Geography/History
Red potatoes are believed to have originated in Peru, and the Red Thumb fingerling is a modern variety that is said to resemble some of these original red potato cultivars. Red Thumb fingerling potatoes can be found in home gardens, specialty grocers, and farmers markets in North America, South America, and Europe.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Thumb Fingerling Potatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.
