There may be no food more perfect than the potato. Just consider its versatility to start and then throw in the fact that this "spud-licious" vegetable is one of the most nutritious foods around. To top off its resume, the potato grows in abundance and is relatively inexpensive.
Mashed, hashed, baked or fried, the potato is one food that can be prepared to just about everyone's liking. Some food experts believe that a diet of potatoes and milk alone "could" supply all the nutrients the body needs. Watch out, though: this so-called healthy vegetable has been known to clog a few arteries when deep-fried or enhanced with mounds of butter or cheese.
Did you know? - It's estimated that every person in America alone puts away a whopping 42 pounds of fresh potatoes a year and another 30 pounds processed (chips, fries, etc.).
Growing Potatoes
Paul's favorite food crop, both to grow and eat, is the potato. In fact, his mother insists that if it weren't for the potato, and some butter and sour cream, he would be a 98-pound weakling. Here are some tips on how to grow this popular vegetable from the Spud Man himself. - Potatoes need fertile, well-drained soil. It's best if the soil is a bit on the acidic side to prevent disease to the crop.
- Potatoes grow best in the cool months. For that reason, it's best to plant them in late winter or early spring. In the Deep South they are often planted in the fall for a winter harvest.
- When shopping for spuds (technically known as tubers) to plant, make sure to buy disease-free potatoes. They can be found at a nursery or home and garden center that carries the certified disease-free varieties. DON'T buy potatoes from the grocery for planting because they have most likely been treated with a chemical to prevent sprouting and will NOT grow.
- Look for at least three eyes on the potato. They are easy to find, and these are the points from which the green growth will ultimately emerge.
- Plant the potatoes whole, which is what Paul does, or do what folks have done for hundreds of years - cut them up in halves or even thirds. Ideally, though, each piece should have a few eyes on it.
- Dig a hole about four inches deep to plant the potatoes and space them about 12 inches apart. Or take a few tubers and place them on top of the ground - again about 12 inches apart - and cover with a healthy dose of mulch. About a 12-inch layer of mulch is ideal, and as the plants develop add some more.
Russet Potato
Nutritional Information
Based on 1 medium potato
Calories 113
Fat .1 grams
Sodium 1.7 mg
Carbohydrates 27 grams
Vitamin C 50 % RDA
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