Vanessa Potatoes This page first published: Apr 6, 2005 · Updated: May 12, 2018 · by CooksInfo. Copyright © 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · Vanessa Potatoes are oval, with red skin and yellow flesh. They are marketed as all-purpose for direct to consumer sales, but are really more of a waxy potato. Early harvest. History Notes Vanessa Potatoes were released in 1973.