Potatoes are a staple in most homes.
They are sold in supermarkets, farmer’s markets, and even online.
Because potatoes are so popular, a lot of money is spent on them every year.
It’s important to know how much potatoes cost so you can figure them into your grocery budget.
How Much Do Potatoes Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay between $1 to $2 a pound for potatoes.
Bulk amounts of potatoes can average between $2 and $3 for a five-pound bag.
The cost depends on many factors, including the type of potatoes, when and where you buy them, and the amount you buy at one time.
Read on to learn more about the different types of potatoes, their health benefits, and how much you can expect to pay for each variety.
What Determines The Cost Of Potatoes?
Many different things will determine the cost of potatoes.
If you are planning to buy potatoes and are on a budget or want to make sure you aren’t overpaying, keep these things in mind.
1. Size
The bigger the potato, the more it will cost.
Some stores sell potatoes based on how much they weigh.
Individual potatoes come in a variety of different sizes and types.
Depending on what you plan to do with the potatoes, you may save money by buying larger potatoes.
2. Source
The source of the potatoes also determines the cost.
Some potatoes are grown on small farms.
These are often more expensive because they cost more to grow.
Organic potatoes are also more expensive.
Potatoes that are grown on large farms are usually a more affordable option, even if you buy them in smaller quantities.
3. Type
Different types of potatoes are available at different prices.
Certain types also work better for certain recipes, so sometimes, choosing the cheapest type isn’t the best option.
Understanding what price to expect with each type of potato will make shopping a little easier.
Russet potatoes are one of the cheapest potatoes available, and red potatoes are some of the priciest.
4. Amount
Buying potatoes in bulk makes them much more affordable.
You can buy potatoes individually, but they will likely still be sold by weight.
When you buy large quantities, the price per pound goes down, so you are able to buy more potatoes for a lower price.
5. Versatility
Some potatoes are considered more versatile than others.
All-purpose potatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways and are usually the most affordable.
If you want potatoes that are a little more on the gourmet side and have a specific texture that makes them ideal for certain dishes, they may be a little pricier.
Why Are Organic Potatoes More Expensive?
When it comes to organic potatoes, you can expect to pay a little more.
A lot more effort and time go into growing organic produce, so farmers expect a higher return.
Here are some reasons organic potatoes cost more.
1. Education
Growing organic potatoes takes a lot of knowledge, and many farmers go to school to learn about agriculture and specifically organic agriculture.
Farmers need to pay back student loans and make their time spent in education worthwhile, so they often charge more for their products.
2. Time
It’s not that it takes longer to grow food organically, but farmers have to put in more time with their crops.
Because they don’t use pesticides, farmers spend a lot more time manually controlling pests.
They also spend a lot of time inspecting the potatoes and planning for upcoming seasons.
3. Small-Scale Operations
Organic farms are usually small-scale operations.
They may be family-owned or even owned by individuals.
Because these farmers work so hard physically and put so much investment and time into their organic produce, they want to get the most money possible.
They charge more than farms that operate on a larger scale which have lower operating costs and higher profit margins.
4. Certification
Organic farmers have to be certified, and that can be costly for them.
The first time a farmer obtains their certification, it can cost them up to $1,200.
That’s just the beginning, though.
Farmers also have to take classes and renew their certification every few years.
5. Growing Facilities
Organic potatoes aren’t grown on the same type of soil as non-organic potatoes.
The land must meet certain qualifications to be suitable for organic produce.
The manufacturing facilities must also be kept separate from any non-organic manufacturing equipment.
That means farmers that grow both may need to use two different growing areas and manufacturing facilities.
Where Are Most Potatoes Grown?
Potatoes are a popular food item in many countries, and they are grown all over the world.
China produces the most potatoes, turning out more than 99,205,580 metric tons every year.
India is also a top producer, growing more than 48,605,000 metric tons each year.
While the United States is not a top contender, it still produces 20,017,350 metric tons annually.
A majority of them are grown in Idaho.
What Are The Different Types Of Potatoes?
There are many different types of potatoes, and each one has a different texture or flavor.
Certain types of potatoes are more expensive than others.
Here are some of the most popular potato varieties.
1. Russet
These potatoes are large and starchy.
They are great for making mashed potatoes as well as baking or frying.
They have dark brown skin that can be peeled away or cleaned and eaten.
Russet potatoes are very affordable, and you can buy a five-pound bag for around $3.
2. Japanese Sweet Potatoes
These potatoes are sweeter than other types and have a purple color.
They are also starchy but tend to be sweeter than other types of potatoes.
They are great for baking but also taste great braised or in salads.
You can buy Japanese Sweet Potatoes for about $2.35 per pound.
3. German Butterball
These small, round potatoes are a favorite because they have a buttery taste and soft, smooth texture.
They are also extremely versatile and work well when baked, fried, mashed, and sauteed.
They are often steamed and served whole alongside meat dishes.
The German Butterballs cost between $1.50 and $2 a pound.
4. French Fingerlings
These small, skinny potatoes have a nutty flavor and moist texture.
They are easy to peel and slice, so they work well in many recipes.
They are often used in potato salad, soup, and fried potatoes and chips.
French fingerlings average around $2 a pound.
5. Cranberry Red Potatoes
This is a type of red potato that has a soft, moist texture.
They are small to medium in size, and they steam well.
These potatoes are great for soups and stews as well as dips.
Because of their small size, they cook up quickly.
Cranberry Red potatoes are priced around $2 a pound at most grocery stores and may be slightly more expensive at farmers’ markets.
6. New Potatoes
This is one of the most popular types of potatoes in the United States.
They are small, soft, and easy to slice and prepare.
Because they are so soft and tender, they are usually steamed and served whole.
They can also be added to soups, dips, casseroles, and salads.
New potatoes are easy to find and cost around $1 to $2 per pound.
You can save money by buying them in bulk.
Expect to pay about $5 for 10 pounds.
7. Red Gold Potatoes
When it comes to flavor, red gold potatoes are where it’s at.
They have a dark red and purple color and come in a variety of sizes.
With a round shape and yellow flesh, they are hardy and can stand up to almost any type of preparation.
Often considered a pantry staple, Red Gold potatoes cost around $2 a pound.
8. Yukon Gold
These are large potatoes that have a firm but smooth texture.
They are often used for baking because of their size, but they are considered an all-purpose potato, which means they are versatile and can be used for all types of dishes.
Five pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes will cost around $5.
Are Potatoes Healthy?
When eaten in moderation, potatoes are healthy, especially when consumed with their skins on.
Potatoes are packed with phenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanin compounds, and antioxidants.
They are also starchy carbohydrates that can be filling and can help your body burn more fat.
How potatoes are cooked also plays a role in their health benefits.
Baked potatoes are healthier than fried potatoes.
Since most people like to add topping to their potatoes to boost the flavor, the toppings will also factor into the calories and overall nutrients the potatoes provide.
What Are Some Popular Ways To Prepare Potatoes?
When it comes to finding recipes for preparing your potatoes, the possibilities are endless.
Potatoes are incredibly versatile, so you can add them as side dishes or make them the star of the meal.
Here are a few ways you can prepare potatoes.
- Mashed potatoes
- Fried potatoes
- Baked potatoes
- Potato casserole
- Potato gnocchi
- French fries
- Potato chips
- Potato pancakes
- Potato salad
- Potato soup
- Potato bread
- Potato wedges
- Roasted Potatoes
How Long Do Potatoes Last?
Uncooked potatoes that are stored properly can last well over a month.
If stored improperly, they may last up to two weeks.
Cooked potatoes can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
Potatoes last longer in colder temperatures and in areas with very little moisture.
Can Potatoes Get Diseases?
While potatoes seem hardy, they are susceptible to more than 75 different diseases.
Most of these diseases are fungal or bacterial.
The potatoes themselves are not only affected, but the entire plant can be diseased.
Potatoes with fungal and bacterial diseases are easy to identify and should not be eaten.
Farmers work hard to prevent these diseases from affecting their crops and throw out any diseased potatoes before they sell their yields.
Do Insects Kill Potatoes?
Some insects will eat potatoes and kill the plants.
These can be a real challenge for farmers, as a swarm can reduce their crops by huge numbers.
Potato bugs tend to eat the plants when they are very young, so they don’t have a chance to yield potatoes.
Once the potatoes are harvested, these insects are less of a threat.
If stored properly in your home, insects will not be able to access your potatoes or eat them.
What Is The Best Way To Store Potatoes?
If you want to ensure your potatoes last a long time, you need to store them properly.
Store them in a paper bag or cardboard box.
Make sure they are not in direct sunlight or in an area with a lot of moisture.
Remove any potatoes that have soft spots or have turned green.
If you store your potatoes properly, they can last for several months.
Tips For Saving Money On Potatoes
If you use a lot of potatoes in your meals, you may be looking for a good way to save money on them.
Here are some ideas that can come in handy.
1. Prep Them
A lot of people waste money on potatoes because they leave them in the bag and forget about them.
Peeling and cutting up potatoes can take a lot of time, so some people also choose not to mess with them when they are in a hurry.
One way to avoid wasting them and reduce the amount of time it takes to prepare them for each meal is to prep them when you have a chance.
Peel them, cut them into the size you need, and keep them in a bowl of water in the refrigerator.
Change out the water every few days to keep them from browning.
2. Store Them Properly
If you want to make sure your potatoes last a long time, you need to store them properly.
Never store them with onions.
This is a mistake many people make.
Onions release ethylene gas and a lot of moisture.
This causes the potatoes to rot faster than they would if stored properly.
Also, be sure to store them in a dry, cool place.
3. Buy In Bulk
Potatoes are much more affordable when you buy them in bulk.
You can freeze potatoes if you aren’t going to use them all before they go bad.
Buying in bulk will allow you to get plenty of potatoes at a low price.
4. Shop Around
You never know when you will find a great sale on potatoes.
Check ads and farmers’ markets to see what the prices are like each week.
You may find that one store has consistently lower prices on potatoes, or you may need to shop somewhere different each time.
If you use a lot of potatoes and spend a lot of money on them, it can be worth the time it takes to find the best deal.
5. Grow Your Own
If you think buying potatoes from the store or farmer’s market is more costly than you would prefer, you can always grow them yourself.
Potatoes are fairly easy to grow, and even if you have a small yard, you can grow enough to use in your favorite meals and recipes.
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