Snowden
Late-maturing chip variety. Very white flesh, excellent storage.
At a glance
Best uses
About this variety
Late-maturing chip variety. Very white flesh, excellent storage.
Snowden is classified as a north america variety released in 1990, primarily used for chips, 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.
Where is Snowden grown?
Snowden is most commonly grown in North America, with original release from USA. The variety is commercially established within its regional context. Cultivation footprint reflects the variety's adaptation to local agroclimatic conditions and the breeding programme's regional focus.
Production data for the specific countries where Snowden dominates is documented through CIP, USDA, AHDB, ICAR-CPRI, NAK Netherlands, and national agricultural agencies depending on origin. Cross-reference our country profiles for production context — see the global country index or specific producers in North America.
What is Snowden best used for?
Snowden is best suited to chips, processing / industrial. Late-maturing chip variety. Very white flesh, excellent storage.
End-use suitability is determined by specific gravity, flesh colour, dry-matter content, and reducing-sugar levels. Processing-grade varieties typically require specific gravity ≥1.080 and low reducing sugars to support Maillard browning without producing dark or bitter products. See the complete varieties guide for cross-variety comparison.
When was Snowden released and by whom?
Snowden was released in 1990 by USA. The variety belongs to the North America family of cultivars and reflects the breeding objectives of its origin programme — typically a combination of yield improvement, disease resistance, and end-use specification matching the dominant commercial demand of the period.
As a more recent release, Snowden reflects modern breeding priorities — likely combining yield improvement with updated disease-resistance packages and end-use specification matching contemporary processor or retail demand.
How does Snowden compare to similar varieties?
Within the North America family of cultivars, Snowden. Comparable varieties include Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah, Ranger Russet — each with distinct breeding histories and end-use profiles. Cross-comparison data is available through our variety database.
For systematic comparison see the variety compare tool or browse all 237 varieties in our database. Each variety has its own dedicated profile with origin, traits, and uses documented from primary breeder sources.
Frequently asked questions about Snowden
What is Snowden potato?+
Snowden is a north america potato variety released in 1990 originating from USA. Late-maturing chip variety. Very white flesh, excellent storage.
What is Snowden potato best used for?+
Snowden is best suited to chips, processing / industrial. Late-maturing chip variety. Very white flesh, excellent storage.
When was Snowden released?+
Snowden was released in 1990. The variety is classified as north america.
Where is Snowden grown?+
Snowden 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.