Marilyn Potatoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Marilyn potatoes are small to medium in size, averaging 2-5 centimeters in diameter, and have a uniform and elongated, oval shape. The smooth, light yellow skin has shallow eyes and generally has clear skin with occasional brown specs or spots. Underneath the thin skin, the yellow flesh is firm, waxy, aqueous, and dense. Marilyn potatoes have a sweet, earthy flavor and are low in starch with a high water content that allows them to hold their shape when cooked.
Seasons/Availability
Marilyn potatoes are available year-round.
Current Facts
Marilyn potatoes, botanically classified as Solanum tuberosum, are uniform, edible, underground tubers that are members of the Solanaceae or nightshade family along with tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Created in Europe as a high yielding and long storing tuber, Marilyn potatoes are a fingerling variety that has become a popular ingredient at high-end restaurants across Europe, especially in France. Marilyn potatoes can also be grown for baby potato production and are known for their waxy consistency, making them suitable as a salad or fresh eating variety.
Nutritional Value
Marilyn potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps boost immunity, and potassium, which contributes to protecting muscle and bone health. The tubers also contain some vitamin B6, iron, and calcium.
Applications
Marilyn potatoes are best suited for cooked applications such as roasting, boiling, frying, steaming, and baking. The firm tubers hold their shape when cooked due to their high water content and are favored for slicing or cubing and tossing into leafy green salads and potato salads. Marilyn potatoes can also be baked and served as a side dish to cooked meats and vegetables, quartered and roasted to create a crispy exterior, or diced into soups, stews, chowders, curries, and casseroles. Marilyn potatoes pair well with herbs such as sage, oregano, rosemary, parsley, and thyme, Dijon mustard, spring onions, leeks, mushrooms, and meats such as pork, poultry, beef, and fish. The tubers will keep 2-4 weeks when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Marilyn potatoes are rumored to have been named after the famous actress Marilyn Monroe and are marketed as the “new star of the fingerling variety.” Developed by the HZPC Corporation in Europe, Marilyn potatoes are just one of many different varieties that HZPC has created to expand the global potato industry. With over eight hundred growers and fifty breeders located around the world, HZPC develops varieties for specific market segments such as fry processing, convenience food sectors, and fresh markets. HZPC also extensively researches varying climates and creates versatile, flavorful varieties that can thrive in unique regions and become a sustainable crop to support market and consumer demand.
Geography/History
Marilyn potatoes were developed in Europe and were created by the HZPC Corporation. While the exact date of their release is unknown, Marilyn potatoes are localized to growers and fresh markets throughout Europe and are especially popular in France, found at specialty grocers and high-end restaurants.
