If you were to ask most Americans which state grows the most potatoes, they'd tell you it's the state of Idaho. It’s true, Idaho produces a lot of potatoes and is responsible for growing around 6 million metric tons of spuds yearly, earning it’s unofficial moniker as The Potato State.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT POTATO IN RECIPES
The simplest way to break down potato types is into three categories: starchy, waxy, and all-purpose. Russets and King Edwards have a high starch content and a low moisture content which makes them great for frying or baking and perfect for making Gnocchi, but will also fall apart if you were to boil them or use them in a stew.
Waxy potatoes like Nadine and Dutch Cream have a higher sugar content and lower starch content and are not good for mashing and should not be used for frying or baking. They are more suited for boiling and roasting, as well as for potato salads. All-purpose potatoes, like Yukon Gold and Royal Blue can be used for almost anything
POTATO ORIGINS
By the 16th century, the Spanish weren't wasting time conquering much of South America, and by 1536, Spanish conquistadors had discovered potatoes and begun shipping them back to their homeland. Potatoes didn't reach Europe until the 16th century. Sir Walter Raleigh attempted to introduce them to the Irish in 1589, but it took another 40 years for the rest of Europe to take an interest. At times, they were exchanged as a form of currency and were used as part of a bartering system before they even left South America.
Potatoes were likely introduced to North America in the 1620s when the governor of Virginia received a boxful as a gift, but it still took until the 19th century for potatoes to become a staple in the region.
POTATO FACTS:
· Potatoes were once used as a medical cure
· They're high in vitamin C and B-6
· Known to have specific healing powers by putting slices of raw potatoes in one's socks to cure colds and other flu-like illnesses
· There's a potato museum. ????
The Great Irish Famine, occurring between 1845-1852, where a type of fungal disease spread through the leaves and tubers, causing them to rot and rendering them completely inedible. Fortunately, nowadays we have potato varieties that are blight-resistant
THE POTATO CHIP
While there are a handful of stories out there concerning the origin of the iconic snack, the most common tale claims that Crum's sister invented potato chips because she accidentally dropped a thin slice of potato into hot oil while peeling them.
HOW TO STORE POTATOES
Potatoes can remain safe to eat for several months, however, they need to be stored in a cool, dark room like a pantry or kitchen cupboard and well-ventilated. Therefore, it's a better idea to store them in an open-topped bag or crate. They might also turn green because of chlorophyll rising up under the skin, which not only ruins the taste but may also make you sick.
5,000 VARIETIES
Potatoes can be reproduced in a couple of different ways by crossing a male and female plant then plant the seeds that come from female potato plants' flowers and berries. Each seed technically has its own individual genetic makeup, and from here it's possible to grow and test them to find out which ones we want to clone or crossbreed again.
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