Do you know what the most popular vegetable in America is today? You guessed it, potatoes. The little spuds come in a variety of flavors, textures and even colors, and can be cooked countless ways. It is no wonder that the average American eats at least one potato a day! Not only are potatoes versatile and tasty, they are also loaded with nutrients and are a great source of natural energy.
Potatoes are amazing vegetables. Belonging to the nightshade family, they have more potassium than a banana and just one potato contain 45 percent of your daily vitamin C. Potatoes are also very high in carbohydrates and fiber, making them great sources of fast energy.
Potatoes are great for those on a diet because they are naturally low in calories and do not have any fat, sodium or cholesterol. Go easy on the butter when serving potatoes to retain their health benefits. Also, try leaving your potatoes unpeeled to make sure that you get the fiber, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and B vitamins that the skin contains.
There are four basic ways to cook a potato which are baking, steaming, frying and roasting. Once you have cooked a potato you can turn it into many different dishes including potato salad, twice-baked potatoes, and mashed potatoes. Store your potatoes in a cool, dark, dry place to preserve them for as long as possible and avoid storing them in the refrigerator or freezer because the potatoes will turn black.
Potatoes are from the nightshade family and must be stored away from light to keep them from turning green. The green part of the potato contains a toxin that can be harmful to humans if ingested in large amounts. To avoid this, keep potatoes in a closed cupboard, in a basement, or in a cellar.
If you need support purchasing food for yourself or family and are earning a low income, you might be eligible for Louisiana food stamps, Maine food stamps, or food stamps from a different U.S. state which you are located in.