What are mealy potatoes ideal for?

Mealy potatoes, also known as starchy potatoes, have a high starch content and a low moisture level, which makes them particularly suitable for baking and frying. When baked, they develop a light, fluffy texture that is desirable in dishes like baked potatoes. Additionally, their ability to become crispy when fried makes them an excellent choice for fries or chips.

The structure of mealy potatoes allows them to hold up well when cooked at high temperatures, which is why frying is effective; they crisp up beautifully on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. While boiling can be done with mealy potatoes, it is not the best cooking method for this type, as they can become waterlogged and lose their desired texture.

Other options, such as baking and grilling or boiling and steaming, also refer to cooking methods but do not typically highlight the strengths of mealy potatoes in the same way. Grilling usually benefits from waxy potatoes that hold their shape better, and boiling and steaming would not showcase the optimal texture that mealy potatoes provide when baked or fried.