Kufri Pukhraj Potatoes
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Description/Taste
Kufri Pukhraj potatoes are medium to large in size and are oval to oblong with a slightly lumpy shape. Its light brown to gold skin is smooth and is known for its wax-like texture. The skin also has a few shallow eyes and is speckled with small brown spots. The flesh is light yellow to gold and is waxy, firm, and dense. When cooked, Kufri Pukhraj potatoes have a tender texture and a mild and earthy flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Kufri Pukhraj potatoes are available year-round in India.
Current Facts
Kufri Pukhraj potatoes, botanically classified as Solanum tuberosum, are grown in India to help provide sustenance and create a source of income for international trade. These potatoes are widely grown on large farms in the belt of Punjab and other states of northern India. Also known as ‘Ghar wale, potatoes such as the Kufri Pukhraj have been deemed a complete food source by the Indian representative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Association due to their high nutritional value and hunger sustainment. Kufri Pukhraj potatoes are versatile for everyday cooking and are used in a wide variety of culinary applications.
Nutritional Value
Kufri Pukhraj potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Applications
Kufri Pukhraj potatoes are best suited for cooked applications such as boiling, roasting, or sautéing. They can be sliced and incorporated into curries, boiled in soups, added with spinach to make saag aloo, used as the base fillings for vegetarian samosas, or combined with dried spices and fresh herbs to make a potato roast. These potatoes are also widely used in sabzis or cooked in barbequed dishes for a tandoori flavor. Kufri Pukhraj potatoes pair well with sambar, turmeric, chili powder, mustard seeds, curry leaves, coriander, mango powder, garam masala, cumin, lime, fresh chilies, ginger, fresh mint, spinach, cauliflower, carrots, peas, lentils, and coconut sugar. They will keep for a few weeks when stored in a cool and dry location away from direct sunlight.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The Central Potato Research Institute, which developed the Kufri Pukhraj and many other potato varieties, is responsible for developing the majority of the potatoes grown in India. There are seven different research stations in the various growing regions and most varieties created have been bred with the goal to produce potatoes that help provide improved nutrition for a rapidly increasing population.
Geography/History
The Kufri Pukhraj potato was created in 1998 by the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in India. Developed specifically to be heat resistant, early producing, and high yielding, Kufri Pukhraj potatoes are found at the local markets in India and thrive in the northern India plains and plateau regions of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
