Posted On:May 7th, 2024

Purple Potatoes 101: Nutrition, Benefits, and Recipes

Purple potatoes are sold commercially in different sizes and shapes, typically measuring 7 to 15 centimeters in length. They can look either oblong or round, with a skin that can be thin or semi-thick, smooth or russeted. The skin comes in various colors ranging from royal purples to dark, almost black shades. 

When cooked, the flesh has a dense, starchy texture and can be found in colors ranging from solid purple to marbled hues. Known for their rich, earthy taste with sweet and nutty undertones, purple potatoes hold their shape well when cooked. They are available year-round, with their peak season being fall through winter.

Facts And Varieties Of Purple Potatoes

Purple potatoes belong to the Solanaceae family, and there are about 100 different varieties around the world, including types like Purple Majesty, All Blue, and Adirondack Blue. They were once considered a rare specialty reserved only for Incan royalty, but today, they are used in many cuisines due to their unique flavor and nutritional benefits.  

Purple potatoes contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that protect against cellular damage. They are also a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, which support overall health, from immune strength to digestive regulation. Indigenous communities have traditionally used them for medicinal purposes.

6 Surprising Benefits Of Purple Potatoes

Purple potatoes are a colorful and healthy addition to your diet. Here are the 6 benefits that you will get from purple potatoes:

• Best for diabetic patient
• Rich in antioxidant properties
• Help to improve blood pressure
• Reduce the risk of cancer
• Fill the fiber gap
• Have more potassium than Bananas

Nutritional Benefits Of Purple Potatoes When Combined With Krill Meat

Combining purple potatoes with krill meat can create a nutrition powerhouse, leveraging the unique benefits of both ingredients to support overall health.

Boost Your Health with Krill Meat and Purple Potatoes

1. Rich In Antioxidants And Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Purple potatoes contain antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and prevent chronic diseases. Krill meat is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, known for improving heart health and brain function. Together, they can help combat oxidative stress and enhance cognitive and cardiovascular health.

2. High In Vitamins And Minerals

Purple potatoes provide a good dose of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and copper, supporting immune function and energy levels. Krill meat contributes vitamins A, E, and choline. This combination helps maintain healthy skin, liver function, and cellular health.

3. Supports Joint Health

The omega-3 fatty acids in krill meat are highly effective in reducing joint pain and stiffness, often associated with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of anthocyanins in purple potatoes complement this by further alleviating inflammation.

4. Aids In Weight Management

Krill oil is known to help increase feelings of fullness, which can aid in weight control. When paired with fiber-rich purple potatoes, this combo can help regulate appetite, prevent overeating, and reduce belly fat, supporting healthy weight management.

Purple Potatoes Recipes With Krill Meat

I have a list of five delicious recipes that you can try out, all of which are made using krill meat and purple potatoes as the main ingredients.

1. Krill And Purple Potato Skewers 

Grilled skewers loaded with marinated krill and chunks of purple potatoes are perfect for a healthy barbecue option.

Ingredients: Krill meat, purple potatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, skewers

Preparation

• Marinate krill and potato chunks in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and paprika.
• Thread onto skewers and grill until potatoes are tender and krill is cooked.
• Serve hot skewers with a drizzle of lemon juice.

2. Spicy Krill And Purple Potato Tacos 

A fusion dish that packs a punch, combining the unique taste of krill with the earthiness of purple potatoes in a portable taco form.

Ingredients: Krill meat, purple potatoes, corn tortillas, cabbage slaw, chipotle sauce, lime

Preparation

• Sauté krill and diced purple potatoes with chipotle sauce.
• Warm tortillas, then fill with krill and potato mixture.
• Top with cabbage slaw and a squeeze of lime juice.

3. Krill And Purple Potato Salad 

This refreshing and nutritious salad features boiled purple potatoes and tender krill dressed in a light vinaigrette. You can also check out my other recipe for krill meat salad. 

Ingredients: Krill meat, purple potatoes, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette

Preparation

• Boil purple potatoes until tender, then cool and dice.
• Combine potatoes, cooked krill, mixed greens, and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
• Toss with balsamic vinaigrette and serve chilled.

4. Creamy Krill And Purple Potato Soup 

A creamy, comforting soup that blends the flavors of krill and purple potatoes into a delightful, warm dish.

Ingredients: Krill meat, purple potatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, cream, chives

Preparation

• Sauté onions and garlic, add diced purple potatoes and cook until soft.
• Add broth and boil, then simmer until potatoes are completely tender.
• Blend until smooth, stir in cooked krill, heat through, and finish with cream and chopped chives.

5. Purple Potato And Krill Gratin 

This is an indulgent gratin, with layers of thinly sliced purple potatoes and krill baked in a creamy sauce and topped with a golden cheese crust.

Ingredients: Krill meat, purple potatoes, heavy cream, garlic, grated cheese, thyme

Preparation

• Layer thinly sliced purple potatoes and krill in a baking dish.
• Pour a mixture of cream, minced garlic, and thyme over the layers.
• Sprinkle with grated cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.

Purple Potatoes Without Krill Meat

Here, I’ve listed five recipes without the use of krill meat:

1. Roasted Purple Potato Wedges 

Crispy and flavorful, these roasted potato wedges make a perfect side dish or snack.

Ingredients: Purple potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, salt, pepper

Preparation

• Cut purple potatoes into wedges and toss with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F until golden and crispy.
• Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

2. Purple Potato Pancakes 

A colorful twist on a breakfast classic, these potato pancakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. If you want to make your breakfast more delicious, try my krill cupcake recipe.

Ingredients: Grated purple potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, oil

Preparation

• Mix grated potatoes with finely chopped onion, eggs, flour, and salt.
• Heat oil in a skillet and spoon in potato mixture, flattening to form pancakes.
• Cook until both sides of the cake are crispy, and serve hot with sour cream or applesauce.

3. Purple Potato And Arugula Salad 

A vibrant salad that combines purple potatoes’ earthy flavor with the peppery arugula bite.

Ingredients: Purple potatoes, arugula, walnuts, feta cheese, vinaigrette

Preparation

• Boil purple potatoes until tender, then slice.
• Toss potatoes with arugula, crumbled feta, and walnuts.
• Dress with your favorite vinaigrette and serve.

4. Purple Potato Mash With Roasted Garlic 

A smooth and creamy mashed potato dish enhanced with the rich flavor of roasted garlic.

Ingredients: Purple potatoes, roasted garlic, butter, milk, salt, pepper

Preparation

• Boil purple potatoes until soft. Mash with roasted garlic cloves, butter, and milk until smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve as a side with a garnish of fresh herbs.

5. Purple Potato Stew 

A hearty stew filled with chunks of purple potatoes and seasonal vegetables, perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients: Purple potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme

Preparation

• Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft.
• Add diced purple potatoes and chopped tomatoes, and cook for a few minutes.
• Pour in vegetable broth, add thyme, and simmer until all vegetables are tender.

Conclusion

Whether combined with the nutritious benefits of krill meat or standing alone, purple potatoes offer a versatile and vibrant choice for enhancing your diet. These recipes bring visual appeal to the table and pack a nutritional punch suitable for any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Purple Potatoes Healthier Than White Potatoes? 

Purple potatoes contain higher levels of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which may offer added health benefits such as improved heart health and reduced inflammation compared to white potatoes.

How Should I Store Purple Potatoes? 

To prolong their shelf life, store purple potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Avoid storing purple potatoes in the refrigerator, as cold temperatures affect their texture and flavor.