Sierra Gold Potatoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Sierra Gold potatoes are small to medium in size and are oval, oblong, and slightly flattened in shape. The russeted, or semi-rough textured skin is brown, and there are a few shallow eyes and dark brown spots scattered across the surface. The flesh is firm, dense, moist, and deep yellow to gold. When cooked, Sierra Gold potatoes hold their vibrant gold hue and are creamy with a toasted, buttery flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Sierra Gold potatoes are available year-round, with peak season from late summer through winter.
Current Facts
Sierra Gold potatoes, botanically classified as Solanum tuberosum ‘Sierra Gold,’ are considered a russet cultivar and are members of the Solanaceae or nightshade family along with tomatoes and eggplant. They are highly regarded for their culinary qualities, resistance to disease, and resistance to after cooking-discoloration. The trademark and proprietary rights for Sierra Gold potatoes are held exclusively by California Oregon Seed who regulates all marketing and seed distribution of the potato.
Nutritional Value
Sierra Gold potatoes offer a healthy dose of vitamin C, vitamin B6, dietary fiber, and potassium.
Applications
Sierra Gold potatoes are best suited for cooked applications such as baking, frying, boiling, grilling, roasting, and steaming. Used whole, they are ideal for the classic preparation of baked potatoes as their natural buttery flavor is enhanced. Sierra Gold potatoes are also excellent grilled and roasted as it crisps the potato’s skin and imparts a buttery-sweet, slightly caramelized flavor. Roast Sierra Gold potato wedges with complementary herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano or pair with other sliced tubers for a roasted vegetable medley. Steam and use to make mashed potatoes or puree and add to sauces and soups as a natural thickener. Sierra Gold potatoes pair well with pesto, tomato, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, garlic, lime, and tarragon. Sierra Gold potatoes store well for a couple of weeks when kept in a cool and dry location away from direct sunlight and refrigeration.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The Sierra Gold owes its name to the potato’s co-creator Robert Campbell’s love of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Campbell also wanted to emphasize the potato’s signature golden flesh which has become a preferred potato characteristic thanks in part to the success of the yukon gold variety. Sierra Gold potatoes have a unique and deliberate pedigree consisting of the cross of the russet variety, krantz, with the yukon gold variety, delta gold. This cross gives the Sierra Gold potato the distinct hybrid characteristics of both varieties and a deep golden hue.
Geography/History
Sierra Gold potatoes were created at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. It was then picked up by Robert Campbell of California Oregon Seed Inc. who had been searching for a variety that would offer an improved taste and consistency over the classic russet potato. Campbell experimented with growing the potato in 2001 and quickly realized he had at last found the potato he had been searching for. In 2002 he released it for commercial production under the name Sierra Gold. Still a rather new variety in the marketplace, the Sierra Gold is currently available in the United States and Canada from select distributors, grocers, and farmers markets.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Sierra Gold Potatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Food 52 |
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Simply Creamy Garlic Sierra Gold Mashed Spuds |
