Butter Russets

[Jenise]

Found them at Trader Joe's today. Will discover whether or not they actually have a better flavor, but you can't put those two words without snagging my attention!

Are you talking about Trader Joe's Hasselback Potatoes?

[Jenise]

No, a 3 lb bag of raw potatoes called 'Butter Russets'.

Like I said, no idea. HOWEVER, when I lived in Saudi Arabia, we would get these AMAZING Egypt-grown potatoes. Russet-looking and textured, but much darker skin, almost black, and the most buttery interiors. Best potatoes I've had in my entire life. If these come anywhere close, I'll be a lifer.

Oh My, that sounds great, must get there to see if our store has them. I love potatoes!

[Jenise]

Call off the hunt! I cooked some of those potatoes last night--nothing special.

Poo.

From what I read, those come in two colors, a red and a yellow. Did you get the darker version? So far, I have not been able to locate them around here, but just checked the bigger stores. Many small grocers who carry unusual things but do not have websites to see products.

[Jenise]

It's likely that "Butter Russets" is a Trader Joe's trademark and not something you'd find anywhere else. They looked and tasted just like any russet should. Certainly nothing like those black Egyptians all those years ago.

It appears to be a recent cultivar: https://www.mountainking.com/butter-russets/

[Jenise]

Well, look what you found! Interesting. Site's kind of amateurish, though. It's a little puzzling that after all those taste tests, the accolade they chose to highlight was "We have never EVER tasted such great potatoes, went back to get more and there were none there. So disappointed. These potatoes are the best and wish we could get more. Where can we purchase more, please, please?" Enthusiasm aside, it's quite mundane especially when the website's pitch is to professionals. Like saying, "This wine's great!" Tells you nothing.