Russet Burbank
The variety behind McDonald's fries. Long, oblong, high dry matter (~22%). Idaho's flagship cultivar.
At a glance
Best uses
About this variety
The variety behind McDonald's fries. Long, oblong, high dry matter (~22%). Idaho's flagship cultivar.
Russet Burbank is classified as a north america variety released in 1872, primarily used for frying / fries, baking / roasting, processing / industrial. For agronomic specs, breeder details, and trial data not yet captured here, refer to the source registries linked at the bottom of this page.
Origin and breeding history of Russet Burbank
Russet Burbank originated in 1872 when American horticulturalist Luther Burbank selected a seedling from an Early Rose variety in Lunenburg, Massachusetts (USDA-ARS; American Journal of Potato Research). The russet-skinned mutation that later became known as Russet Burbank emerged as a sport selection from Burbank's original line, with commercial release in the early 1900s. Burbank himself sold the rights to the original variety for $150 and moved to California to become one of the most prolific plant breeders in American history.
Despite being over 150 years old, Russet Burbank remains the dominant US processing potato — occupying 60–70% of Idaho's commercial acreage and supplying the bulk of McDonald's, Lamb Weston, and J.R. Simplot frozen-fry production (Idaho Potato Commission; USDA NASS). The variety's persistence reflects a difficult-to-replicate combination of high specific gravity (~1.080–1.090), long oblong tuber shape, low reducing sugars, and excellent storage life that supports year-round supply for global QSR chains.
Why Russet Burbank dominates frozen french fry production
Russet Burbank's high dry-matter content (~22%) and low reducing-sugar levels make it ideal for the Maillard browning that produces the iconic golden, crispy McDonald's fry. Specific gravity above 1.080 — the industry threshold for processing-grade — is consistently achievable with proper irrigation and nutrient management. The variety's long oblong shape allows efficient cutting into the standard 6mm × 6mm × 75mm french fry geometry with minimal trim loss (Lamb Weston grower specifications; American Society of Agronomy).
Beyond fries, Russet Burbank is the workhorse of the US fresh-baking market — sold under the 'Idaho potato' marketing brand certified by the Idaho Potato Commission. The variety's storage life of 8–10 months under controlled conditions enables year-round retail availability. Read more about how processors use it in our McDonald's varieties article.
Agronomic profile and growing requirements
Russet Burbank is a late-maturing variety requiring 130–150 days from planting to harvest under typical Pacific Northwest conditions, making it unsuitable for short-season climates. The variety is highly sensitive to water, temperature, and nitrogen stress: irregular irrigation causes hollow heart and brown center; heat spikes during tuber bulking produce sugar ends; excess nitrogen delays maturity (University of Idaho Extension; USDA-ARS).
Commercial Idaho and Pacific Northwest growers manage these risks through center-pivot irrigation scheduling, split-application nitrogen, and tight harvest-window timing. Susceptibility to Verticillium wilt and PVY remains a challenge. For comprehensive growing guidance see our complete potato growing guide. Yields of 50–70 t/ha are achievable under intensive irrigated commercial management; smallholder yields in less-controlled settings are 30–40% lower.
Frequently asked questions about Russet Burbank
What is Russet Burbank potato?+
Russet Burbank is a north america potato variety released in 1872 originating from USA. The variety behind McDonald's fries. Long, oblong, high dry matter (~22%). Idaho's flagship cultivar.
What is Russet Burbank potato best used for?+
Russet Burbank is best suited to frying / fries, baking / roasting, processing / industrial. The variety behind McDonald's fries. Long, oblong, high dry matter (~22%). Idaho's flagship cultivar.
When was Russet Burbank released?+
Russet Burbank was released in 1872. The variety is classified as north america (Iconic).
Where is Russet Burbank grown?+
Russet Burbank is most commonly grown in North America, with original release from USA. Cross-reference our country profiles for production data.
Variety profiles aggregate data from CIP Lima genebank, ICAR-CPRI variety catalogue, EU Common Catalogue, USDA PVPO, AHDB Potato Variety Database, NIAB, NAK Netherlands, the Potato Pedigree Database, national breeding programmes (CAAS, EARO, BARI, INTA, EMBRAPA, INIFAP, IHAR-PIB, VNIIKKH), and peer-reviewed literature in Potato Research and the American Journal of Potato Research.
Updated May 2026 · Reviewed by Potatopedia editorial team · Linked to Wikidata for cross-reference.