
9 Potato Varieties You’ll Want to Know About
Potatoes—humble, hearty, and oh-so-versatile. Whether you love them chipped, mashed, roasted, fried, or baked, there’s a perfect potato for every dish. But did you know not all spuds are created equal? There are loads of varieties out there, each with its own personality and purpose.
Let’s take a closer look at nine popular potato types you might come across, especially if you’re in the UK or Europe. Whether you’re growing them in the garden or just picking the right one for your chips, here’s what makes each of these tubers special.
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🥔 Sagitta
Sagitta is a bit of a star when it comes to texture. It’s an all-rounder, but really shines when boiled or mashed thanks to its lovely soft, fluffy flesh. The skin is fairly smooth, and the taste is rich and creamy. It’s a favourite in home kitchens because it cooks evenly and holds its shape just enough without going mushy.
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🥔 Challenger
Challenger is a strong performer—literally. It’s known for producing a good crop and being resistant to many of the common potato problems. Its yellow flesh has a floury texture, which makes it an excellent choice for roasting or frying. If you’re into making homemade chips, this one won’t disappoint.
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🥔 Agria
Agria is a golden beauty with a rich yellow flesh and a wonderfully earthy flavour. It’s a firm favourite for making chips and crisps (fries and chips, for those across the pond), thanks to its dry, floury texture. It crisps up beautifully on the outside while staying fluffy inside—basically, chip heaven.
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🥔 Markies
Markies are often the top pick for commercial chip shops, and for good reason. They produce long, large tubers perfect for cutting into big, chunky chips. They’re also great for baking or frying. The flavour is subtle, which means they’re excellent for soaking up spices, gravies, and sauces.
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🥔 Ramos
Ramos is a reliable and high-yielding potato that’s loved by growers. It has pale yellow skin and flesh, and is another all-rounder—good for boiling, baking, and roasting. It has a slightly waxy texture, which helps it hold together when cooked, making it great for salads too.
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🥔 Maris Piper
If you’ve heard of one UK potato, it’s probably Maris Piper. This classic variety is the go-to for roasties and chips. With creamy white flesh and a fluffy texture, it crisps up like a dream. It’s one of the most versatile potatoes out there, and a true household staple.
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🥔 Maris Bard
The Maris Bard is a first early potato, which means it’s one of the first to be harvested in the season. It’s perfect for boiling and makes a mean potato salad. With a smooth, white skin and waxy flesh, it holds together nicely and has a fresh, slightly sweet flavour.
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🥔 Accord
Accord is another early bird in the potato world. It’s known for being quick to mature and producing a generous crop. It has pale skin and white flesh, with a soft, waxy texture that’s ideal for boiling. If you like your potatoes buttery and smooth, Accord is a great pick.
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🥔 Premiere
As its name suggests, Premiere is one of the first to hit the scene in early summer. It’s a lovely all-rounder with a slight lean toward boiling and steaming. It has good disease resistance and a creamy taste that makes it feel like a treat, even if you’re just having a simple supper.
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Final Thoughts
Choosing the right potato can seriously up your cooking game—or make your time in the garden more rewarding. Whether you’re after crispy chips, creamy mash, or a buttery boiled potato, there’s a perfect spud for the job.
So next time you’re shopping or planning your veg patch, give one of these varieties a try. You might just find a new favourite!
Chip Shop and Restaurant owners contact the experts from your Local Potato Suppliers for fresh high quality in season potatoes delivered promptly.
Call 07801 102 264