Hi everyone! Sorry for the long interruption. Life has been so busy (in a good way), from planning the 2019 Potato Festival to fighting off all the yucky seasonal change germs, our office has been SO hectic.

As the hamster wheel begins to slow a bit, I wanted to drop in and talk some mind-blowing potato facts. (I find them mind-blowing, that is…)

I’ve stated this multiple times, but I’m going to say it again… As a Potato Grower’s daughter, I really thought I knew everything. As I humbly sit in my office chair, I realize I knew VERY few things…

• I knew Colorado Potatoes were delicious!
• I knew planting was in late April and harvesting was mid-September (in Colorado).

• I knew potato growing was a gamble. (It’s so risky….)
  • I remember one day my dad saying “I could go to Vegas….”
• I knew minor details about shipping, selling and storing potatoes.
• I knew potato growers were people I wanted “in my corner”.
• I knew Rachael Flatt believed in the Super Carb… Potatoes!

• And, I also knew that being on the tractor, combine (barley), or harvester with dad after a LONG (ha-ha) day at school was the absolute BEST.

As knowledgeable as I all of that makes me, let me just say I had NO idea anything about growing, marketing, selling, shipping, etc. potatoes. NOT. A. CLUE. When I started at CPAC I was thrilled to be a part of an industry I love and I couldn’t wait to learn everything I thought I already knew. 😉

 

• Did you know that Colorado is the 2nd largest growing region for fresh market potatoes?

Fresh market potatoes are potatoes that will be sold unprocessed/raw. They will be sold to restaurants, institutions, and grocery stores. Isn’t that insane? Growers in the San Luis Valley produce just under 2 billion of pounds of potatoes every year. (Who knew?) In the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the San Luis Valley shipped 16,705,763 CWT (hundred weight) of potatoes! MY GOODNESS!! (16,705,763 CWT= 1,670,576,300 pounds). Believe me when I say that potatoes have a large impact on the Valley.

• Did you know one medium potato (5.3 ounce) with skin provides 620 milligrams or 18% of the recommended daily value (DV) of potassium per serving?

Potatoes are considered one of the best foods with potassium, ranking higher than other fruits and vegetables… Like a banana! “Potassium is an important electrolyte that aids in muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function” (Potatoes USA).

• Did you know potatoes are a comprised of nutrient-dense complex carbohydrates?

One medium sized potato (5.3 ounces) has 26 grams of complex carbohydrates. “Carbohydrate is the primary fuel for your brain and a key source of energy for muscles. Our body’s own storage of carbohydrate is limited and may be depleted, even in a single session of intense and/or prolonged exercise. It’s important to replenish them” (Potatoes USA).

• Did you know potatoes contain different types of starch?

I know this question is kind of like “duh… potatoes are starchy”, but hear me out here.  My friend Sahar, who is a grad student at CSU is researching potatoes; different varieties, traits, etc. She explained the different starches that potatoes have and the importance of knowing these starches as a consumer. Potatoes contain starch and resistant starch. Resistant starch is a part of dietary fiber that has many nutritional properties, by its potential as a prebiotic product.  Prebiotic foods promote good bacteria in the gut, help with digestive problems and they boost your immune system. Resistant starch also increase the fullness and satiety (Sahar Potato Info). 

As consumers, I think it is really important that we stay “in the know” of all products. I also believe that it is important that we observe what we are fueling our bodies with. Potatoes USA “What Are You Eating?” campaign awakes a whole new idea… WHAT ARE YOU EATING? I’m a snacker, I love snacks, I could snack all day, (Not sure if “snacker” is a word…), so I have placed a “What Are You Eating?” magnet on my office snack drawer. (Complete side note: does everyone have an office snack drawer? Or???) Now when I reach in for a quick snack, I really ponder “What are you eating, Jess?” I guess my main point here, is what are we using as fuel? Are we making conscious efforts to feed our body what it needs?

I promise that if you start to do more research and really become aware of what you’re choosing as fuel, you will not be disappointed. Since July 2018, when the WAYE? campaign launched, my focus and goal whenever I grocery shop or eat is to really focus on not wasting calories… Don’t eat empty calories. If you’re going to eat carbs, be sure they’re nutrient dense and complex, to ensure that you’re really fueling your body. I’m a carb-lover…. I can’t get enough, but when I eat carbs now, I make sure that they’re packed with nutrients and they’ll benefit my body. Let’s be honest… Occasionally I waste meals, because empty calories (like soda) and “bad” carbs are calling my name; I’m human. Bottom line, be more mindful of what you’re eating.

Bon Appetit,

Jess

P.S. I’m not a scientist or expert, just wanted to share some science-based facts with you all. 🙂

Visit https://www.potatogoodness.com/performance/ for more information.