Perfectly seasoned? Roasted? Baked? Fried? Mashed? Whatever your preference is, here are the top reasons why you should grab the Yukon Gold potato. Potatoes are one of the perfect side dishes in the world today. They can either be roasted, boiled or turned into fries and they will make an incredible meal. When you walk to the grocery store you may realize that there are multiple types of potatoes for cooking and choosing the best can be quite challenging. Every type of the all-round potatoes has its benefits but the Yukon Gold Potatoes stand out.
Characteristics of Yukon Gold Potato
The potato are either medium or large in size with a fairly flattened shape. It has a flat, thin, and a light brown skin giving it a uniform shape and texture. Its flesh is waxy, moist, firm, and yellow to gold in color. The leaves are olive green and moderately shiny. Flowers have a fairly light violet color. The roots are moderately compact and their emergence is quite rapid. The potatoes mature within the first 85-90 days, thus can be harvested during the early season.
The Yukon Gold Potatoes are commonly used for fresh markets where they are boiled and baked. They are also suitable for French frying and cooking. Their maturity is determinate and have a medium to long dormancy. The potatoes are sensitive to pollution especially the ozone layer damage which can lead to immature death.
Difference between Yukon Gold Potatoes and Other Potato Types
Choosing the wrong kind of potato can make your cooking instantly terrible. You are required to choose potatoes according to the purpose you are using them for. However, Yukon Gold Potatoes are quite different from other varieties because they are not exceedingly starchy and will stay together when they are boiled or used for cooking. The Yukon Gold potatoes can be perfectly used for all cooking purposes unlike other potato varieties.
Reasons why Yukon Gold Potatoes are a Must- Have for Cooking
Yukon Gold can be perfectly seasoned, baked, roasted, mashed, and fried due to their versatility. Therefore, depending on your preference you can have them in any form. Below are some top reasons why you should grab and add them to your dishes.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes are High in Vitamin C
A medium Yukon gold potato contains a half of the vitamin C nutrients you need in your meals each day. The potatoes also contain twice as much vitamin C as found in the other potato variety. Vitamin C in the Yukon Gold is an essential antioxidant that protects your body cells from free-radical damage. It also foster the regeneration of additional antioxidants including vitamin E. Vitamin C is also important for the synthesis of collagen through which the body can heal wounds.
- Energy Boosting
A single medium Yukon gold potato has around 120 grams of calories. Most of these calories are from the 26grams of carbohydrates found in each of the potatoes. They help in boosting your body’s energy. The carbohydrates also help in fuelling your brain and body muscles.
- Blood Pressure Management
Yukon Gold potatoes are some of the best sources of potassium. Potassium helps in lowering your blood pressure. It does this by reducing the impacts of sodium in your body.
- Body Building Foods
Iron deficiency is becoming a universal health concern and is a leading nutritional disorder, according to the World Health Organization. Consumption of the Yukon Gold potatoes in your meals meets up to 6 percent of the iron you are required to consume every day. The vitamin C present in the potatoes boosts the absorption of iron to ensure it meets your iron requirements.
Best Recipe for Using Yukon Gold
Cooking Yukon Gold potatoes requires you to follow a recipe to come out with a perfect meal. Below is a recipe you can follow to make such perfect meals.
Ensure that you have Yukon Gold potatoes, fresh parsley, and garlic as the produce. Your spices should be salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Also get some chicken broth.
Ingredients
Three pounds of peeled Yukon Gold potatoes
Six tablespoons melted butter
One teaspoon dried thyme
A half teaspoon dried rosemary
One teaspoon salt
A half teaspoon pepper
One cup chicken broth
Two or three cloves peeled and crushed garlic
Two tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
Instructions to Roasting Yukon Gold potatoes
Place your oven rack in an upper-middle position and preheat the oven up to 475 degrees. Sparay large rimmed baking sheet by using a non-stick cooking spray.
Use a small bowl to mix the rosemary, salt, thyme, pepper, and melted butter.
Cut your Yukon potatoes in at least ¾ or 1 inch thick slices and discard the ends. Toss the potato slices in the butter mixture. Arrange them in single layers on a ready baking sheet.
Roast the potatoes for a maximum of 15 minutes and remove them from the oven. Flip them over then return them to the oven and roast for another 15 minutes.
Lastly, remove the Yukon potatoes from the oven and flip them once more. Add the garlic and broth and return to the oven carefully. Roast them for up to 15 minutes until they are tender. Sprinkle them with parsley and then serve.