Standard Potato-Masquerade-1 Lb

Native to the tropical mountainsides of western South America, the potato along with corn (maize) are the two most important food crops discovered in the New World. Potatoes are members of the Nightshade family of plants which also include the Tomato and the Eggplant. Archaeologists believe that the potato was being cultivated by pre-Columbian farmers as early as 5000 B.C. Remains of potatoes have been found at Incan burial sites which date to 500 B.C. In 1540, the potato was discovered by Spanish explorers who eventually introduced the plant into Europe around 1560. The potato was not popular in the United States until the mid-19th century. Many people thought that the tubers were poisonous and others did not like the yellowish color of the flesh. Today, the potato is one of the most popular vegetables known. It has been accepted by most of the cultures on earth as a staple of their diets.

Masquerade is an unusual mottled purple and tan skinned, golden fleshed potato. It was developed using traditional breeding techniques by Colorado State University’s internationally respected San Luis Valley Research Center.

The name, Masquerade, comes from the fact that the skin of these potatoes resembles that of Yukon Gold wearing a purple mask. Masquerade potatoes are also known as the Pinto Potato (after the Pinto Horse’s coloration) and the Zebra-striped potato.

Masquerade is a mid-season potato requiring 80-110 days to mature that was created to be used in diverse culinary preparations with exceptional visual appeal. The plant produces small to medium-sized tubers. The tubers can be used for baking, boiling, roasting and frying. The flavor is excellent – creamy and buttery. To maintain the stunning effect of their unique coloration, keep them whole with the skin on and simply bake with a drizzle of oil and salt.