What is the difference between a white potato and a red potato?

Question

What is the difference between a white potato and a red potato?

Answer 1

There are actually two types of potatoes, waxy and starchy/mealy.  

Russet potatoes (which i'm guessing is the white you're talking about), the most commonly used, are starchy potatoes.  This means that it is high in starch, low in moisture and low in sugar.  They don't tend to hold their shape after baking and get light and fluffy.  They're usually used for baking or frying.

Red potatoes fall under the waxy category.  This means that they low in starch, high in sugar and high in moisture.  These potatoes do hold shape after baking so they aren't fluffy like russet potatoes.  They're usually used for boiling or sauteing sionce high moisture content will cause them to be soggy afer frying or baking.

Basically, red and white are total opposites in content and are best when used with the specific cooking method you're looking for.

Answer 2

The skin, Red potatoes are good for scalloped potatoes and you can eat them with the skin, you can white to but red potatoes can just be cleaned and cooked!*

Answer 3

The skin mostly although the flesh of a red potato is more creamy coloured than a white potato.  Desiree are probably the most popular red potato in the UK these are good for roast & jacket potatoes and sometimes mash well.

Answer 4

Red potatoes are a little mare waxy than white potatoes. Other than that, just color.

Answer 5

Reds are better for potato salad.