Mountain Rose potatoes are a unique addition to any garden or kitchen, known for their distinctive appearance and versatile culinary uses. Gardeners value their ease of cultivation and rewarding yields. For home cooks, these potatoes offer a flavorful, visually appealing ingredient that enhances various dishes. They provide a satisfying texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Understanding Mountain Rose Potatoes
Distinctive Characteristics
Mountain Rose potatoes are known for their striking visual appeal. They feature vibrant red skin and pink to reddish-pink flesh, which often retains its color after cooking. These tubers typically grow to a medium to large size with an oval to round shape. Their eyes are generally shallow to medium in depth.
Flavor and Texture Profile
Mountain Rose potatoes have a mild flavor with subtle sweetness. They are characterized by a moderately firm, moist texture. When cooked, they remain moist but not waxy, making them suitable for various culinary applications. This combination contributes to their versatility.
A Brief History
The Mountain Rose potato is a relatively recent introduction, developed by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Colorado State University. Introduced in 2006, this variety has even been featured in the White House kitchen garden.
Cultivating Mountain Rose Potatoes
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Successful Mountain Rose potato cultivation requires full sun exposure (at least six hours daily) to promote healthy plant growth and tuber development. While potatoes grow in various soil types, a loose, well-draining sandy loam rich in organic matter is ideal. Hard or compacted soil can lead to misshapen tubers. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.0. Incorporating compost or other organic materials in the fall, prior to planting, enhances fertility and drainage.
Planting Guidelines
Planting typically occurs in spring, two to four weeks after the last frost, when soil temperatures consistently reach at least 45°F (7°C). Prepare seed potatoes by cutting larger tubers into pieces, ensuring each has at least two “eyes.” Allowing these cut pieces to callus overnight in a cool, humid space helps prevent infection. Plant seed potato pieces four to six inches deep, spaced about 10 inches apart within rows. Rows should be 30 to 36 inches apart to allow for proper growth and hilling.
Ongoing Care
Consistent moisture is important for Mountain Rose potatoes, especially during tuber formation. Aim for one to two inches of water per week from rainfall or irrigation. Water uniformly, ensuring moisture penetrates at least the top 12 inches of soil. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage increases susceptibility to diseases like blight. Hilling, mounding soil around growing plant stems, keeps developing tubers covered and protected from light, preventing them from turning green. Hilling also provides more space for tuber growth and can be done when plants reach 8 to 12 inches tall.
Potatoes need a good supply of phosphorus and potassium, with potassium benefiting yield, quality, and maturation. While nitrogen is important for foliage growth, excessive amounts can lead to abundant top growth at the expense of tuber development. Maintaining proper spacing and rotating planting locations each year helps manage common potato pests and diseases. Mountain Rose potatoes are moderately resistant to diseases like leafroll and PVY, but they can be susceptible to blackleg and powdery scab.
Harvesting and Curing
Mountain Rose potatoes are an early to mid-season variety, typically maturing in about 70 days. Plants signal readiness for harvest when their foliage browns and dies back. Stop watering approximately two weeks after the plants flower, allowing the soil to dry and potato skins to toughen, which improves storage quality. After foliage dies back, leaving tubers in the ground for an additional two to four weeks allows for a natural curing process, further hardening their skins.
When ready to harvest, gently dig around the plants with a shovel or digging fork, being careful not to damage the tubers. Lift the potatoes from the soil and brush off loose dirt. Set aside any bruised, cut, or green-spotted potatoes for immediate use, as they will not store well. After harvest, cure potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area, such as a garage, for two to five days or up to two weeks. Spreading them in a single layer, ideally not touching, allows their skins to fully dry and harden.
Culinary Applications and Pairing
Best Cooking Methods
Mountain Rose potatoes are versatile for a wide range of culinary preparations. Their moderately firm, moist texture holds up well to boiling and roasting, making them excellent for salads or as a roasted side dish. They can also be baked, mashed, or used for chips and French fries, retaining their vibrant color even when fried. This variety is noted for not browning when fried, making it appealing for visually striking dishes.
To enhance crispness for roasted potatoes or fries, par-boil and rough up the potato surfaces before roasting. Their moist yet firm characteristic helps them hold their form when preparing dishes like potato roses, where thin slices are formed into decorative shapes. The mild, slightly sweet flavor of Mountain Rose potatoes complements various seasonings without being overpowering.
Recipe Inspiration
Mountain Rose potatoes are ideal for dishes where their vibrant color can be showcased. They are a popular choice for colorful potato salads, adding a unique visual element. Their firm texture makes them suitable for roasted potato wedges or German potato salad. Thinly sliced and baked, they can form impressive “potato roses” in muffin tins, creating an elegant side dish. These potatoes are also excellent for homemade potato chips and French fries, offering a visually appealing and flavorful alternative.
The mild, slightly sweet profile of Mountain Rose potatoes pairs well with various herbs and spices like rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. They can be incorporated into dishes that benefit from a pop of color, such as a vibrant side alongside grilled meats or in a vegetable medley. For a simple preparation, boiling or baking them highlights their inherent qualities.
Nutritional Content and Health Advantages
Mountain Rose potatoes offer nutritional benefits, contributing to a balanced diet. They contain various vitamins and minerals, typical of many potato varieties. Their red and pink flesh indicates the presence of anthocyanins, potent antioxidants responsible for vibrant red and purple hues in many fruits and vegetables. The inclusion of anthocyanins provides an enhanced antioxidant profile compared to white-fleshed potatoes, contributing to overall wellness.
Proper Storage Methods
After curing, Mountain Rose potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, well-ventilated environment to maximize freshness and shelf life, ideally between 43-50°F (6-10°C). Darkness is important, as light exposure can cause potatoes to turn green and develop a bitter taste. Good air circulation prevents moisture buildup and spoilage. Avoid storing potatoes in plastic bags, which trap moisture; instead, use breathable containers like wicker baskets, mesh bags, or cardboard boxes. Store potatoes separately from onions, as onions release gases that accelerate potato spoilage.