Why buy from Atlantic Potato Distributors?
APD is recognized as leaders in quality and safety, striving to provide not only the freshest quality potato but also the best tasting potatoes.
What is the lead time on orders?
APD has their own in-house inspection (C-PIQ) which allows them, upon receipt of an order, to pack and ship it right away, while competition must wait for a Canadian Food Inspection Auditor before starting the load. If that inspector is not available, they cannot ship.
What packaging options do you have?
APD has an ultra modern packing shed. Many sizes of bags are possible as long as they are legal under CFIA and USDA Guidelines. The most common sizes of poly (plastic bags) are 3 lb, 4 lb, 5 lb, 10 lb, 15 lb and 20 lb. For paper, options include 10 lb, 20 lb and 50 lb. Count Cartons (cardboard boxes) are also available that range in size from 140 count to 40 count. A box of 140 count would have 140 potatoes of the same size totalling 50 lbs. A box of 40 count would have 40 potatoes of the same size totalling 50 lbs.
What types of potatoes are available?
Numerous amounts of varieties are available, please see our page under “Varieties”. APD always stocks Russets, Whites, Reds, and Yellows. Varieties may vary but we carry the best possible of each.
APD does not offer genetically altered potatoes.
Are all potatoes the same?
Certainly not! Potatoes are available in an assortment of colours, shapes, and varieties. There are also taste differences, thereby ensuring an excellent choice for different purposes. Although they all share certain properties, each variety has been specially developed to meet different cooking requirements.
When I am buying “new potatoes”, what am I getting?
“New” is not a variety, but a stage of growth. Size, colour, and shape do not signify “newness”. A new potato is one that has just been harvested. Once it has been stored, it is no longer new. In fact, Canadian-grown potatoes may not be marketed as new after September 30th.
How to pick the right potato?
Choose potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. Selecting the right potato for your needs is easy if you understand the relationship between a potato’s appearance and its intended use.
What’s the best use for long-shaped potatoes?
Long shaped potatoes are most suitable for baking, microwaving, or french frying. These potatoes will fluff up when baked. To boil, cook slowly over medium heat using only a small quantity of water. If they are cooked at a full boil in too much water, long-shaped potatoes may not hold their shape.
What’s the best use for round-shaped potatoes?
Round shaped potatoes are generally better when boiled. They keep their shape and their texture stays firm. They are excellent in salads, soups, stews, and similar dishes.
What causes a potato to turn green? What happens if I eat green potatoes?
“Greening” is a color change in the potato when it is exposed to light. Avoid eating the green part of the potato because it is bitter and may cause stomach upsets if eaten in large quantities. Remove all green portions on potatoes before eating. Better still, do not eat green potatoes at all. Potatoes displayed in plastic bags by supermarkets can turn green.
How can you prevent potatoes from turning green?
To prevent greening at retail, poly bags should be displayed label side up. The printed or opaque side of the plastic bags act as a light shield. The window on a paper bag should be face down. To prevent greening at home, store your potatoes in a cool, dark place. Potatoes packed in a plastic bag should be transferred to a paper bag to protect them from light.
What causes a potato to have a hole inside?
“Hollow heart” is a discoloured hole sometimes found in the center of an otherwise healthy potato. It can be caused by rapid growth, extremes in watering, or drought in the farm field. A hollow heart potato can be eaten, but to improve its appearance, the hollow piece should be cut out. APD has equipment to remove hollow heart.
How long can potatoes be stored ?
Pre-washed potatoes have a shelf life of two to three weeks if kept in a dark cool area.
What happens if potatoes are stored at a high temperature?
If you are using the potatoes shortly after you purchase them, they should be fine. High temperatures cause potatoes to sprout, shrivel, and lose nutrients.
What happens if potatoes are stored at too cool a temperature?
Storing in too cool a temperature (refrigeration) will make the flesh darken when cooked and give potatoes an unpleasant sweet flavour. Refrigerator storage is only appropriate for new potatoes. Storage below 4°C causes chilling injury, which, depending on the variety, results in dark grey to reddish brown blotches that are intensified by cooking.