The Maris Piper potato is one of the most popular types of potato sold today. They are grown more than any other variety of potato in the UK, and originated in Ireland. The person who created them, John Clarke, created over 33 varieties of this potato.
Clarke worked with Dr. Harold Howard who was the head of a plant breeding institute. The potatoes got the name “Maris” from the street that this institute was on, Maris Lane. The Maris Piper potatoes are grown year round, and their peak season is from late summer to early fall.
What Are Maris Piper Potatoes?
Maris Piper potatoes are one of the most popular potatoes in the UK. They are medium in size, with tan colored skin. Their flesh is cream colored and dense, and when cooked they become floury and fluffy. Their taste is mild and earthy.
The nutritional value of these potatoes contains potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
Best Dishes to Make with Maris Piper Potatoes
Most commonly, Maris Piper potatoes are used in French fries and chips. But, they are also a staple for many recipes. The texture of these potatoes is perfect for any use; mashing, roasting, or baking.
They make great baked potatoes or a base for soups. Maris Piper potatoes have a large amount of dry matter in them. When cooked, this gives them a perfect crispy outside and fluffiness on the inside.
Maris Piper potatoes blend well with basic seasonings like pepper and salt. They go nicely in savory meals such as hashbrowns. When stored away from sunlight and in a cool, dark, place, Maris Piper potatoes can stay good for multiple weeks.
Where Can I Buy Maris Piper Potatoes?
Maris Piper potatoes are a pretty popular variety of potato. Although they originated in Ireland, they are widely available at many grocery stores worldwide.
Maris Piper Potato Substitutes
Should you not be able to find any Maris Piper potatoes, or want to try something similar, there are many other types of potato that mimic the properties of the Maris Piper.
Russet Potatoes
The Russet potato is the most popularly grown variety of potato in the US. Like the Maris Piper, they have a white and fluffy interior. They can be used for any of the same purposes that you would use the Maris Piper for.
Inca Bella Potatoes
The Inca Bella potato is made from combining the red and Mayan Gold varieties of potato. Something unique about Inca Bellas is that they tend to cook faster than other types of potatoes. Their taste is nutty and their texture is fluffy like the Maris Piper.
Red Potatoes
Red potatoes are another variety of potato that is quite popular in the US. Their texture is slightly different from Maris Piper’s, in that it is more waxy. This means that it holds its shape more when cooked. They make for a great all-purpose potato.
Kennebec Potatoes
The Kennebec potatoes taste very similarly to Maris Pipers. Their taste is nutty and earthy, yet pretty mild. They also have a creamy interior and are known to work best for fried potato recipes. Kennebec potatoes are high in protein, as well as vitamins A and C.
King Edward Potatoes
King Edward potatoes make for great all-purpose potatoes, like the Maris Piper. They are similar in their taste and texture, and they originated in the UK as well. They are the oldest potato in the UK, and popular for growing in home gardens.
Maris Piper Potato Equivalent
Many potatoes are similar to the Maris Piper variety. Because Maris Piper is beloved for being an all-purpose potato, its equivalents have similar properties. Equivalents to Maris Piper potatoes have the fluffy interior feature and versatile use.
Conclusion
Maris Piper potatoes are one of the most popular potato varieties in the UK. They were first created in Ireland in the 1960s. They are best known for their versatility in the kitchen and can be used in virtually any recipe that calls for potatoes.
