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Viking potatoes are generally small to medium in size, averaging 7-10 centimeters in diameter, but can grow to a large size when given too much space in cultivation. The round to oblong tuber has smooth, firm skin with a few shallow eyes, and is covered in mottled shades of purple and red. Underneath the surface, the yellow to white flesh is dense, fine-grained, and moist. When cooked, Viking potatoes develop a tender, creamy consistency with a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Viking potatoes are available year-round.
Current Facts
Viking potatoes, botanically classified as Solanum tuberosum, are edible, underground tubers that grow from medium-sized leafy plants and are members of the Solanaceae or nightshade family along with tomatoes and eggplant. Also known as the Purple Viking potato, Viking potatoes are considered to be an all-purpose variety favored for its unique marbled skin. Viking potatoes are a rare cultivar that is not commercially produced on a large scale due to its inability to be used for processing. It is considered to be a specialty table variety that is mainly found through small farms and grocers.
Nutritional Value
Viking potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. They also contain iron, vitamin B6, and anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants that give the tuber its purple-red hue and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to boost the immune system in the body.
Applications
Viking potatoes are an all-purpose potato that is best suited for cooked applications such as baking, boiling, and frying. Their high moisture content makes them ideal for roasts, salads, and casseroles, but when cooked, the purple and red hues may fade into a purple-brown. Viking potatoes can also be roasted and smashed, formed into croquettes and fried, tossed into soups and stews, served with cooked meats, or mashed as a creamy side dish. Viking potatoes pair well with zucchini, artichokes, green beans, mushrooms, corn, meats such as beef, pork, poultry, and fish, goat cheese, and shallots. The tubers will keep over one month when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In the United States, Viking potatoes are a popular home garden variety favored for their resistance to disease and vigorous growth habits. The plant produces a high yield, the anthocyanins or pigments in the skin help protect the tuber from external stressors such as sunlight and pests, and the tubers have the ability to store well, allowing growers to use them throughout the year. Home gardeners also favor the potato for its unique appearance and versatility in many different culinary preparations. Outside of home gardeners, some small farms also cultivate the variety for its novelty.
Geography/History
The exact origins of Viking potatoes are unknown, but some research has pointed to their creation at the North Dakota Experiment Station in the late 1900s. The red viking potato was created at the station in 1963, and the Purple Viking potato is believed to have been created from the red viking. Today Viking potatoes are found through specialty grocers, small farms, and in home gardens in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The potatoes in the photo above were found at a local market in Tokyo, Japan.
Norwich Meadows Farms
Viking potatoes: These tubers average 7-10 centimeters in diameter but can grow larger with excessive space during cultivation. They have smooth, firm skin in mottled shades of purple and red, with few shallow eyes. Their yellow to white flesh is dense, fine-grained, and moist. When cooked, Viking potatoes become tender and creamy, offering a slightly sweet and earthy taste.
Peachtree Road Farmers Market
(404) 365-1105
https://peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com/
Viking potatoes are versatile and can be baked, boiled, or fried. Their high moisture content makes them perfect for roasts, casseroles, and salads, though cooking may cause the purple and red hues to fade to purple-brown. They pair wonderfully with corn, mushrooms, green beans, goat cheese, and meats like beef and poultry. When stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, Viking potatoes can last for over a month.
Viking potatoes are in season and available at Union Square farmers market in New York City…..Viking potatoes are a specialty table variety known for their striking marbled skin, which often blends purple and red tones. While excellent for a variety of culinary uses, they are not widely commercially produced because they are unsuitable for large-scale processing. They are rich in potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants like anthocyanins, which not only give them their vibrant color but also provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits.
Viking potatoes at Ballard Farmers market grown by Olsen farms Seattle…..Viking potatoes are believed to have originated at the North Dakota Experiment Station in the late 1900s, with the red Viking potato created there in 1963. The purple Viking variety likely developed from the red Viking. These potatoes are now grown and enjoyed worldwide, including in specialty markets, small farms, and home gardens across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Viking potatoes Olsen farms , Seattle…..Viking potatoes are a popular choice among home gardeners in the United States due to their resistance to disease, vigorous growth, and unique appearance. They produce high yields, store well for year-round use, and the pigments in their skin protect them from sunlight and pests. Their versatility makes them suitable for various culinary preparations. Small farms, like Olsen Farms in Seattle, may also grow Viking potatoes for their novelty and appeal.
Olsen Farms
1900 Rocky Creek Rd Colville WA 99114
(509) 685-1548
Purple marbled skin, snow white flesh make this a market favorite!.....Viking potatoes have a creamy, slightly sweet and earthy flavor when cooked, complementing their tender texture. Averaging 7-10 centimeters in diameter, these tubers can grow larger if cultivated in spacious conditions. Their fine-grained, moist flesh, which ranges from yellow to white, contrasts beautifully with their smooth skin adorned in mottled shades of purple and red.
Olsen Farms
1900 Rocky Creek Rd Colville WA 99114
(509) 685-1548
Viking potatoes are versatile and great for baking, boiling, and frying. With high moisture content, they're perfect for roasts, casseroles, and salads, though their vibrant purple and red tones may fade when cooked. They pair wonderfully with vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms, meats such as beef or fish, and goat cheese. Store them in a cool, dry, and dark spot, and they can last over a month.
Olsen Farms
1900 Rocky Creek Rd Colville WA 99114
(509) 685-1548
Viking potatoes are a rare and unique cultivar, botanically classified as Solanum tuberosum, with their marbled purple-red skin and creamy white flesh. They belong to the Solanaceae family, alongside tomatoes and eggplants, and are prized for their versatility. Rich in potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and anthocyanins, they support immunity with anti-inflammatory properties but are grown typically on small farms, not commercial operations.
Lucky Dog Farm
35796 State Highway 10 Hamden NY
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Viking potatoes are cultivated globally, found in specialty grocers, farms, and gardens across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Their exact origins are tied to the North Dakota Experiment Station, with the red Viking potato created in 1963 and the Purple Viking believed to have evolved from it. These potatoes are popular for their unique colors and varieties, often spotted in markets like the one where they were photographed in Tokyo, Japan.
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