Lemon Roasted Rainbow Potatoes

Little potatoes - also referred to as baby or mini potatoes are smooth-skinned potatoes that have been harvested when they are still young and small - typically less than two inches in diameter. These little potatoes have a delicate texture, which is creamier and softer than that of their larger counterparts. Because of their petite size, they are well-suited for oven roasting and grilling because they cook faster.

There are several varieties of smooth-skinned potatoes available in a range of colors, including red, gold, and purple - and in large and small sizes. Little rainbow potatoes are often sold in mixed bags or by color and are a popular ingredient for roasting, boiling, or steaming. Their flavors can range from earthy and nutty to sweet and buttery. They make an excellent side dish or addition to salads, and their small size makes them perfect for snacking or appetizers. They're also known as tri-color or sunrise medley potatoes.

According to an article in livestrong.com "The kind of potatoes that may be the healthiest are those with darker-colored flesh, such as the Purple Viking, Yukon Gold and Ruby Crescent." The article goes on to say that these colorful varieties of potatoes contain pigments - carotenoids and flavonoids - which protect cells from oxidative damage. This article in healthline.com discusses 7 surprising benefits of purple potatoes. Not only are they gorgeous to look at and super tasty to eat, they're also loaded with antioxidants and other healthful nutrients.

First of all, I always buy organic potatoes. Most produce that's not grown organically is sprayed with pesticides and the soil is often treated with fungicides. For root vegetables, like potatoes, all those toxic chemicals end up in or on the produce. No thank you. Even though many fruits & veggies are "washed" before being packaged and displayed in grocery stores, organically grown fruits and veggies, including potatoes, should still be thoroughly washed before consuming (whether or not you peel them).

For potatoes, you will want to wash them just prior to cooking (not before). The easiest method is to use a vegetable brush and scrub the skins in a circular motion under running water.

Isn't it annoying when you're in the mood to cook a potato only to discover all of your taters have either turned green or have grown sprouts? Have you ever had that happen only days after you bought them? I know how frustrating that is, and have some tips to help you keep your potatoes fresh until you're ready to use them.

🥕TATER TIP #1 Always store potatoes in a dark, cool, well ventilated place. A pantry or cabinet is a good location, as long as it is not near an oven or heat source. It's why farmers can store potatoes for weeks inside root cellars. Wonder why potatoes turn green? Exposure to light promotes chlorophyll, which is great for houseplants, but not spuds.

🥕TATER TIP #2 Keep potatoes in a ventilated basket or mesh bag. Never store them in the plastic bag from the store. I love re-useable mesh produce bags. They're perfect for storing potatoes, onions, and garlic. Plus they're washable.

🥕TATER TIP #3 Always remove and discard any potatoes that are green, sprouted, have soft spots, mold, or signs of damage.

🥕TATER TIP #4 Don't wash potatoes until you're ready to use them. Keep them dry.

To store leftover lemon roasted potatoes, first, allow them to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. Lemon roasted potatoes will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you have a larger quantity of lemon roasted potatoes, you can also freeze them for later use. To freeze, let the potatoes cool down completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label and date the container, and place it in the freezer. Frozen lemon roasted potatoes can last up to 2-3 months.

When you're ready to reheat your stored lemon roasted potatoes, simply place them in the oven or toaster oven and bake until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just keep in mind that reheating the potatoes may cause them to lose some of their texture and crispness, so it's best to eat them fresh if possible.