Final answer:
The correct answer is waxy potatoes, which are round, red or white potatoes with less starch and more moisture, helping them maintain their shape when cooked.
Step-by-step explanation:
Potatoes can be categorized into different types based on their starch content and how they behave when cooked. The two main types are starchy and waxy. Starchy potatoes, like the Russet, are high in starch and have a dry, fluffy texture when cooked, making them ideal for baking and mashing.
In contrast, waxy potatoes have more moisture and less starch which makes them retain their shape well after cooking. They are typically round, red or white potatoes and are excellent for dishes where the potato's structure needs to be maintained, such as potato salads, soups, and stews.
The student's question pertains to the latter waxy potatoes, which have branched polymers of glucose that help the potatoes hold their shape during cooking. Some popular varieties of waxy potatoes include Red Bliss, New Potatoes, and Fingerling potatoes.