Potato: The Sustainable, Versatile Veggie You’ll Love All Year Long

Did you know that potatoes are among the most environmentally friendly crops? They’re easy to grow and don’t need a lot of fertilizer. Celebrate this sustainable vegetable all month long for National Potato Month!

Potatoes are a starchy vegetable packed with complex carbohydrates, which are our body’s primary energy source. As a member of the nightshade family, they offer a host of beneficial health properties. When cooked, potatoes provide a range of essential minerals and vitamins that support everyday bodily functions.

There’s no wrong way to enjoy potatoes, but there are ways to cook them that can make them even more delicious. With so many varieties and cooking methods, potatoes are incredibly versatile and never get boring. This time of year is perfect for enjoying them—whether baked in the oven or grilled to perfection!

Health Benefits of Potatoes

Given how easy they are to grow and how inexpensive they are to purchase, the potato is a staple in many people’s diets. The potato can be part of a well-balanced diet given its nutrient profile. Here are some of their nutritional benefits:

Potassium: The skin of the potato is packed with potassium which the body utilizes for several everyday processes including muscle contractions and blood pressure regulation.

Vitamin C: Cooking potatoes with the skin on them can help maintain some of their Vitamin C content. Vitamin C is used for body tissue repair as well as growth and development.

Fiber: The skin contains most of the fiber found in potatoes. The gastrointestinal tract uses fiber to help improve gut health by feeding the good bacteria and keep bowel movements regular.

Antioxidants: Purple sweet potatoes contain antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which have cancer-protecting properties.

Positively Delicious Potatoes

There are hundreds of different varieties of potatoes out there which means there are also so many fascinating ways to cook them! The type of potatoes that you use can drastically alter the taste and flavor of the meal. Here are some of my favorite potato dishes based on their variety:

Red Potatoes: A garlic roasted potato casserole using small red potatoes is the perfect side dish. It is simple to make and doesn’t require much prep time, just drizzle some olive oil and garlic over your potatoes with seasoning and bake!

Yukon Gold: Of course, you can’t talk about potatoes without mentioning mashed potatoes. Idaho potatoes create the perfect mash when you combine them with creamy butter and milk.

Sweet Potato: Potatoes can be a dessert too! One of the best pies out there is sweet potato, it may even be better than pumpkin.

Russet: If you are having a beef dish and need a savory side, try an au gratin potato. It perfectly complements any meat dish with its creamy texture.

Healthy Potato

Potatoes offer a multitude of health benefits, but there are steps you can take to maximize their nutritional value:

Don’t be afraid to eat potatoes with the skin on for the added fiber, but always make sure you wash and scrub the potato skin to remove dirt and grit.
Instead of topping your baked potato with butter or sour cream, try toppings such as salsa, diced avocado, or sautéed onions and mushrooms to add in more micronutrients. Sprinkle some scallions on top to add extra veggie power!
If you have a sweet tooth, sweet potatoes act as a wonderful side dish to any meal. When baking a sweet potato, wrap it in tin foil and bake for about an hour. This creates a very moist and flavorful potato that tastes delicious with a sprinkle of cinnamon!
Mashed potatoes can also be made more exciting by adding other vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli. Leave the skin on for that extra fiber boost.

Given how many varieties of potatoes there are, you can try a different one throughout the month to celebrate National Potato Month!