What's Up with Wet Potatoes?

From Maine to Washington, and just about every other Potato growing region in the U.S., growers are digging up their new crop of Russet Potatoes. As we start the new season, we are at the very weakest part of the supply season, which also means we are at the highest point for retail prices. Over the next few weeks, those prices will come down. I have still seen some “old crop” Russet Potatoes in stores. You can tell. They have some bruising and storage cracks. When you are buying bagged Russets this time of year, take a close look at them. You may find some moisture in that bag as well. That’s because these are “fresh dug” Russet Potatoes. Growers dig, harvest, wash and pack the spuds. There is no time for storage. In storage, the spuds have time of dry out. Wet spuds aren’t really a problem…unless of course you ignore it. You need to open the bag and let the spuds air out…and dry out. If you don’t, the wet spuds will decay. It won’t take long, but you would soon smell the strong aroma of rotting potatoes. If you’ve been missing your fresh mashed Potatoes, well dig in. Retail prices range from $1.99 - $2.49 for a 5# bag, but should drop by early October. We are also seeing new crop “New Potatoes,” the Reds. Whites, Yukon Gold and even Fingerlings, coming in from Stockton and other states around the country.   I feel like some diced Onions and Potatoes right now.