A new Maine Potato Variety, the Caribou Russet, sees an increasing popularity

The Caribou Russet, a potato variety developed by the University of Maine, is now available in more stores throughout New England.

The Caribou Russet first went to market in the fall of 2016 and has seen its popularity explode in the last two years, according to the Maine Potato Board.

Don Flannery, executive director of the Maine Potato Board:
 

“In all my years working with potatoes, I've never seen anything like this.”

Hannaford stores began stocking the new variety last year at its Maine stores. This year, more Hannaford stores will carry the Caribou Russet, as well as Stop & Shop stores, making it widely available throughout New England.

In the time since the release of the Caribou Russet, Maine's russet acreage has increased by 30.6%, or 7,180 acres due in part to the demand for the product.
 

Caribou Russets in 8 pound bags (Courtesy: Maine Potato Board

First announced in 2015, the Caribou Russet is a dual-purpose, russet-skinned variety with high yields, mid-season maturity and moderate common scab resistance. In addition to fresh-market consumption, the new variety is also useful for processing markets and is good for baking, mashing, or grilling.

Don Flannery:
 

“One of the questions we are asked the most is how to get Maine potatoes outside of Maine.”

“Maine potatoes are in high demand, especially from people who have lived here and moved elsewhere.”

“We are happy that retailers are seeing the same quality in the Caribou Russet that we are.”