The Classic Spud

Eat more potatoes and love longer

People favour fresh, all-purpose potatoes that they can rely on. Gropak are proud suppliers of pre-packed fresh potato varieties to PAMS – this brand can be found in Pak’n’Saves, New Worlds and Four Square supermarkets in the North Island, NZ.

Did you know:

The Potato produces more nutritious food, more quickly, on less land, and in harsher climates than any other major crop. Potatoes also produce more food per unit of water than any other major crop.

Source: https://potatoesnz.co.nz/news-info/potato-know-how/

Top Potato Tips

Store your potatoes in a cool dark place (try not to expose your potatoes to light as they can develop a green layer in the surface layers. However, still edible – just remove the layers of green from the spud.
Leave the skin on! If possible do not peel your spuds – the skin is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and fibre. When you strip the skins, you are cutting out extra essential nutrients that keep your body operating smoothly.
Select the right spud for the job! Most potato packaging will advise you what the varieties best end use is, whether it be boiling, mashing, baking or roasting for example.
There are two main parts of a potato – water and starch. The more starch in a potato the more ‘floury’ it is. The more water, the more ‘waxy‘ the potato is in texture. It is important to remember both are different when cooked.

Our Potato Range

Sunlite Low Carb Potatoes	1kg, 2kg
Pams Washed Agria	2kg
Pams Brushed Agria	3kg
Pams Roast/Mash	2.5kg, 4kg
Pams Washed Gourmet	1kg
Pams Washed White	2.5kg, 4kg
Pams Washed Red	2.5kg
Pams Value Brushed	3kg, 5kg

Frequently asked Potato Questions

Why do potatoes turn green?

The greening of potatoes is a natural process. When potatoes are stored incorrectly and are exposed to light, they begin to produce chlorophyll, the green pigment that gives many plants their colour. The chlorophyll that gives some potatoes their green colour is completely harmless. However, greening potatoes can produce the toxin solanine. Solanine protects potatoes from insects and bacteria but is toxic to humans. If a potato has just a few green spots, you can cut them out or peel the potato. However if the potato is very green or tastes bitter, it is best to throw it away.

Why do potatoes sprout?

Potatoes don’t need soil to sprout, they just need favourable environmental conditions. If your potatoes are kept somewhere that is cool, dark but has access to moisture, they will begin to sprout. However, if the spuds are still firm when you squeeze them, remove the sprouts and cook them up.

What potato is best for roasting?

The best type of potato for roasting are floury potatoes – Agria, Ilam Hardy (with exception to New Season).
These potatoes are low in water content and high in starch. Perfect roast potatoes should be crispy and golden on the outside whilst fluffy on the inside. The best Low Carb Potato for roasting is Gropaks Sunlite Low Carb variety ‘Colomba’. The Colomba is creamy yellow in colour with a distinctive flavour giving you that ‘melt in your mouth’ affect with at least 25% less carbohydrates than the common NZ Rua potato per serve.

Which potato is best for mashing?

Again, similar to the above roasting question. Agria/Moonlight have a dry and delicate texture, break up easily when cooked and absorb a lot of liquid and flavour.
Once again, our Sunlite Low Carb variety Colomba and Carrera are multi-purpose potatoes with at least 25% less carbohydrates than the common NZ Rua potato per serve. Give it a go!

What potato is best for gnocci?

A starchy potato with a floury texture, therefore the Agria variety would be ideal. Another option would be the Moonlight or Van Rosa as these are all-purpose potatoes that have moderate starch content and are not too floury and not too waxy.
The Sunlite Low Carb variety Colomba could be another option, however we haven’t given gnocci a go yet! You could try it and let us know!

Are potatoes good for you?

Yes! Yes! Yes!
Potatoes are a food super hero, packed with minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals potatoes are nutrient-dense food with a high starch content that will keep you fuller for longer. Potatoes grown naturally gluten free and are virtually fat free with a great source of fibre when cooked with the skins on, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Potatoes are not fattening, however the cooking method chosen may alter the nutritional value of the spud.
To make potatoes an even better healthy option, Gropak offers a Low Carb Potato called Sunlite Low Carb Potatoes. Sunlite has at least 25% less carbohydrates than the common NZ Rua potato per serve. They are creamy yellow in colour with a distinctive taste you will never go back to another potato variety.
You can purchase Sunlite Low Carb potatoes from your local participating New World, Pak’n’Save and Four Square supermarkets in a 1kg and 2kg pillow pack in the North Island and 1kg pillow pack in the South Island only.

Are potatoes gluten free?

Yes! Potatoes are grown naturally grown gluten free. Gluten is a type of protein which is found in wheat, and other grains. Potatoes are a starchy vegetable – not a grain.

Which potatoes are waxy?

Waxy potatoes have a high water content and are low in starch. They have a dense texture and retain shape while cooking, they do not absorb a lot of oil and dressing.
A potato variety which is waxy is a Nadine.

Which potatoes are best?

Each potato variety has a purpose. Most consumers have a preference of variety that they will stick with. However, it is best to choose your potato variety based on what cooking method you will use.
A waxy potato such as a Nadine will not roast like a floury potato such as an Agria. In saying that, if we had to choose a potato variety that is ‘best’, the Colomba variety would be our pick. An all-purpose potato that can be used across the board but also has the added benefit of having at least 25% less carbohydrates than the common NZ Rua potato per serve.
Please note: The Colomba variety unless marketed as Sunlite Low Carb Potatoes by Gropak may not be Low Carb.

Get in touch