Region of Origin
Commodity:
Potato Fingerling
Description & Origin
Fingerling potatoes are elongated varieties of potatoes bred to be harvested when petite – usually about 2-4 inches in length. They can vary from pale yellow to ruddy red to deep purple in both skin and flesh. Fingerlings have a waxy, smooth and firm texture with a creamy, fine-textured consistency and thin skin. Their flavor is mildly earth, with some varieties offering nutty flavors or particula...
Health Benefits & Nutrition
The nutritional profile of fingerling potatoes is like that of other potatoes. They are a decent source of vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6, along with antioxidants. For maximum nutrient value, they are best used with skin on. Potatoes can also be used to aid in the healing of burns by applying their juice or shredded flesh to the affected area.
Our Varieties
Potato Fingerling Mix
Example Cultivars
One color not enough? Try a mixed color variety pack combining yellow, red, and purple fingerlings.
Variety Tips & Tricks
This colorful combination is perfect for bringing visual interest and a range of textures and flavors to a simple side dish
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Potato Fingerling Purple
Example Cultivars
Purple Peruvian, Purple Majesty
Description
Purple fingerlings have a gorgeous deep purple skin with flesh that ranges form violet to red wine in color. Purple fingerlings tend to have an earthy flavored flesh that is dry and starchy.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Purple fingerlings contain polyphenol antioxidants from their deep color. Their earthy flavor and pleasant starchy texture makes them an excellent candidate for frying and roasting, and a perfect pairing for rich entrees.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Potato Fingerling Red
Example Cultivars
Chilean Red, Red Thumb, French
Description
Red fingerling potatoes are similar in size to the other varieties but have a beautiful toned skin that can range from deep purple-red to light pink. The flesh can be white or yellow-tinted, depending on the cultivar. Their flesh is fluffy with a slightly nutty flavor.
Variety Tips & Tricks
The creamy texture of red fingerlings makes them excellent for roasting.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Potato Fingerling Yellow
AKA: Russian Banana, Austrian Crescent, La Ratte, Ruby Crescent
Description
The yellow fingerling is the most popular – and most common – fingerling variety. it has a tan to yellow skin with waxy, smooth yellow flesh. This variety is sometimes shaped like a crescent.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Yellow fingerlings tend to have a nuttier flavor than other varieties.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Fingerling potatoes are favored for their quick cooking, high ratio of crispy skin to tender flesh, thin skin that does not need to be peeled, and convenient size for serving. Fingerling potatoes are often roasted, but can also be braised, boiled, smashed, grilled, pan-fried, and more.
Flavor Pairings
Rosemary, Garlic, Dill, Lemon, Brussel Sprout, Tomato, Sage, Red Onion, Yellow Onion, Parsley, Chive, Basil, Cabbage, Pear, Chile, Cilantro, Beef
How to Prepare
To prepare fingerlings, thoroughly clean each potato and dry well. They do not need to be peeled. From there they can be prepared as desired.
How to Store in the Kitchen
Fingerling potatoes can be stored at room temperature, in a cool, dry, dark area, but for longer-term storage keep best if kept at around 40-45°F – but not below. Fingerling potatoes should not be frozen to maintain quality.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
With proper storage, fingerling potatoes can be stored for relatively long periods of time without spoilage, although not as long as a larger potato variety.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
40-50°F
TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
40-54°F (Cool Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
Yes – If fingerlings are stored below 30°F they will rot.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
95-98%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
No
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
No
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Potatoes produce very little ethylene, but when damaged, cut, or bruised can produce ethylene.
Quality Assessment
When assessing quality of fingerling potatoes, look for smooth, unbruised, and evenly colored potatoes. The potatoes are knobby and irregular, this is normal. They should be free from sprouting, bruising, or mechanical damage.
Important Handling
Fingerling potatoes should be kept out of the sunlight to prevent greening of the skin and flesh and away from high temperatures to avoid sprouting and softening. Note that potatoes can impart an earthy smell to odor-sensitive produce items, as well as develop an off-flavor when stored with strong smelling items with little air circulation.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, fingerling potatoes usually last up to 3 weeks, although they can last for longer in optimal conditions.