NATIONAL POTATO DAY | AUGUST 19
Ah, spuds. On August 19th each year, the humble potato takes center stage. In truth, though, doesn’t it steal the show at nearly every meal?
#NationalPotatoDay
Whether baked, fried or mashed, these taters bring on the flavor. They are a staple of many meals, too. Filling a void for appetizer dishes and working double duty at suppertime, these versatile root veggies satisfy and fill us up.
According to the International Potato Center, more than 4,000 varieties of potatoes grow around the world. Not only that, but they also come in a variety of beautiful colors and sizes. This starchy carbohydrate comes with no fat or cholesterol and is loaded with Vitamin C and potassium. Depending on your dietary needs and how you prepare your potatoes, this vegetable offers what many are looking for. However, with 26 grams of carbohydrates, it’s a no-no in a low-carb lifestyle.
When it comes to the health specs of a potato, we tend to tank the benefits when we prepare them. We fry them and load them with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and butter. Who doesn’t love a loaded baked potato? Ok, ok. You can all put your hands down, now.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL POTATO DAY
With so many ways to savor a potato, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a way. However, we do have a few tateriffic ways to get you started:
- Host a baked potato buffet. Line up all the best toppings such as cheese, jalapenos, bacon, chopped onions, chili, grilled chicken or ranch.
- Tried French fries dipped in soft, vanilla ice cream. If you’ve never had it before, you will be surprised.
- Swap out your corn chips with French fries and build a new kind of nacho. Think beer brats, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and sour cream for German flair. Aim for a bit of Irish celebration by using corned beef.
- Share your favorite recipes. You know, the ones you always go to when you’re craving potatoes. Or, try a new recipe and give it a review.
- Make a delicious potato soup. With so many different recipes, one of them is sure to satisfy!
- Visit your favorite restaurant and pile on the potatoes. Whether it’s an entree or an appetizer, be sure to give the eatery a shout-out!
- Check out this Home Fries recipe.
While you’re celebrating, be sure to use #NationalPotatoDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL POTATO DAY HISTORY
The nation’s comfort food has been celebrated since at least 2006. Before that National Potato Day celebrations had been cropping up throughout the year all across the country.
Potato FAQ
Q. Which is healthier, the white potato or the sweet potato?
A. The sweet potato edges out the white potato thanks to fiber and vitamins. However, both are quite nutritious. How we prepare these root vegetables makes a bigger impact on our diet than the vegetables themselves. Frying vs. baking, toppings and more will tip the scales on nutrition quickly.
Q. Are there other potato holidays?
A. You bet your sweet potato there is! November is Sweet Potato Awareness Month. In February, we celebrate National Eat a Sweet Potato Day and in March we celebrate National Tater Day. And we can’t forget National French Fry Day in July.
Q. How are potatoes prepared?
A. Potatoes can be prepared in a number of ways. Besides baking, boiling, roasting and frying, potatoes are also used to make bread, pasta, hash browns, salads, pancakes, soup, croquettes, among other preparations.
Q. What country produces the most potatoes?
A. In 2016, China produced the most potatoes at more than 99 million tonnes. The United States comes in 5th behind India, Russia, and Ukraine.
