Premium Quality Produce
From our flavorful grains to premium Russets, we deliver excellence in every harvest.
Potatoes
Premium Russet Burbank Potatoes
Our signature Russet Burbank potatoes represent the pinnacle of San Luis Valley potato production. Grown in the mineral-rich soil at 7,600 feet elevation, these premium russets feature golden-brown skin, pristine white flesh, and exceptional flavor. Each potato is carefully cultivated using our family's four-generation farming expertise, resulting in consistent size, ideal texture, and versatile culinary performance. The unique growing conditions of the San Luis Valley, with warm days and cool nights, create the perfect balance of sugars and starches for superior taste and performance in any potato preparation.
History
When Blue Barn Farm expanded beyond our original Red McClure potatoes, we turned to the industry-standard Russet Burbank, first developed by horticulturalist Luther Burbank in the late 1800s. Under Kelly Deacon's leadership in the late 1980s and early 1990s, we modernized our potato operations with advanced equipment and storage facilities, while maintaining our commitment to exceptional quality. Today, our Russet Burbank program encompasses a significant portion of our acreage, supplying premium potatoes to markets across the United States and into Mexico. The combination of ideal growing conditions in the San Luis Valley, generational knowledge, and uncompromising standards has established Blue Barn Farm's reputation for producing some of the finest russet potatoes available.
Characteristics
Appearance: Uniform, large oblong tubers with russet brown skin and shallow eyes Size: Medium to extra-large (6-12oz each) Flesh: Pure white with high starch content Flavor Profile: Rich, earthy flavor with subtle sweetness Texture When Cooked: Fluffy when baked, creamy when mashed, crisp when fried Storage Properties: Excellent dormancy, maintains quality for 6+ months in proper storage Growing Season: 120-140 day maturation cycle Harvested: September through early October Available: Year-round thanks to our state-of-the-art storage facility
Usage
The Russet Burbank is prized for its versatility in the kitchen, excelling in virtually any potato preparation: Baking: The high starch content creates the ideal baked potato texture—fluffy interior with a crisp, flavorful skin. For best results, rub the skin lightly with oil before baking and pierce several times with a fork. French Fries: Russet Burbanks are the gold standard for french fries, maintaining a crisp exterior while staying fluffy inside. Their low moisture and sugar content produces consistently golden fries without excessive darkening. Mashing: Their starchy nature produces light, fluffy mashed potatoes. For best results, don't overmix, which can make them gluey, and add warm (not cold) milk or cream. Roasting: Cut into uniform pieces, tossed with olive oil and herbs, these russets develop a beautiful golden crust while remaining tender inside. Hash Browns: The starchy texture and relatively low moisture content make them perfect for crispy hash browns that hold together beautifully. Home cooks will appreciate their consistent performance and forgiveness in the kitchen. Store in a cool, dark place (but not refrigerated) for best results, and avoid exposure to light which can cause greening.